Your estate planning documents are crucial, as they contain sensitive information. Thus, you want to store them in a safe place. Below are three places to consider: 1. Your home Storing your estate planning documents at home allows you to access them easily. But where...
Estate Planning
How does the Corporate Transparency Act affect your estate plan?
It's not unusual for some people to utilize complex structures for asset protection and succession planning when creating estate plans. However, the introduction of the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) and the legal scrutiny it brings to business entities can...
How can you simplify your estate plan for your executor?
Estate planning can be complicated. Between distributing your assets and drafting documents that comply with the law, you may find it challenging. However, it is important to get it right for the person you entrust to execute it and for those you leave behind. A few...
Why you shouldn’t rely on California’s next-of-kin law
If you’re one of the many Californians who doesn’t have an estate plan because you assume you’ve still got “plenty of time” before you need to decide who will inherit your assets, it’s important to remember that estate planning is about more than what happens after...
How to navigate estate planning with your children
Estate planning is a crucial process that involves making decisions about how your assets will be managed and distributed both during your lifetime and after your death. If you are a parent, your children will likely be responsible for the management of your estate...
Updated estate planning laws for 2024
Estate planning laws are always going through changes, and 2024 isn’t any exception. Sometimes, people need to pass down part of their estate prior to their death. One way to do this is through gifting. Laws related to gifting limits went through a change in 2024....
Can I reduce the cost of probating my estate?
We all want to leave as much inheritance as possible to the people we love when we die. This is the essence of estate planning. However, the process of transferring your estate to your beneficiaries (known as probate) costs money. Thus, while working out your estate...
Who is an eligible designated beneficiary?
An eligible designated beneficiary refers to an individual designated as a retirement account beneficiary. The designation is crucial as it provides certain tax advantages and influences the distribution of the account after the original account holder's demise....
Addressing sibling rivalries during estate planning
Estate planning is a nuanced process, and it largely centers around ensuring that your assets go where you want them to upon your death. You can also use estate planning tools to designate suitable individuals to take care of your financial interests and health...
How to talk to your loved ones about your estate plan
You're already ahead of many people if you've decided to create an estate plan. But the process doesn't end there. Talking openly with your family and loved ones about your plan is a crucial next step. Having this conversation can be tricky, but it's essential for...