What Happens if My Partner Isn’t on the House Title?
A lot of people assume that if they are married, they automatically own the family home, even if their name is not on the title. That is not necessarily true. What people misunderstand is that the house title is only one part of the picture. Your legal rights can depend on when the home was […]
Is Probate Mandatory in Arizona?
A lot of people assume that every estate must go through probate after someone passes away. However, that is not always true! Whether probate is required depends on the assets the person owned, how those assets were titled, and whether they made plans before their death. Some estates can be settled without a formal probate […]
Is Estate Planning Worth It?
Is estate planning worth it, even if you don’t have a lot of money? The honest answer is yes, and here’s why. Why Estate Planning Is Worth It You might be putting off estate planning for multiple reasons. Some feel like it’s morbid, something to do for later, or unimportant right now. But the truth […]
What Is the First Step in Estate Planning?
Most people think the first step in estate planning is writing a will. It’s not. The first step in estate planning is knowing what you’re working with. And for a lot of people, that’s the part they’ve been avoiding. The University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension noted that the inventory step is the foundation of any […]
How to Create an Estate Plan for a Deceased Person
You cannot create an estate plan for someone who has already passed away. Estate planning is a process that must happen during a person’s lifetime. So, once someone dies, that window closes permanently. Estate Planning After Death Navigating legal and financial matters while grieving is genuinely hard. You’re processing loss while simultaneously being asked to […]
What Is the Best Estate Plan?
The best estate plan is customized to your life, goals, and family situation. Often, it includes a customized combination of legal documents to protect your assets, honor your wishes, and spare your loved ones unnecessary stress. But what does that actually look like in practice? And how do you choose the best estate plan for […]
What Is the Most Common Form of Estate Planning?
The most common form of estate planning is a will. However, a complete estate plan includes several other essential documents that work together to protect you and your family. Most people know they need a will, but stop there. The truth is, a basic estate plan consists of key legal documents that cover two distinct […]
What Is Considered High Net Worth for Estate Planning?
The term “high net worth” gets used frequently, but what does it actually mean, and why does it matter in estate planning? High net worth estate planning is relevant to far more people than most realize, and understanding where you fall on the financial spectrum could be one of the most important steps you take […]
Irrevocable Living Trust Tax Implications: What to Know Before Setting One Up
You must understand the irrevocable living trust tax implications involved. Why? Because once you transfer assets into an irrevocable trust, the decision is permanent, and the consequences can affect your estate, your beneficiaries, and your long-term financial strategy. What You Should Know About Irrevocable Living Trust Tax Implications Many people establish irrevocable trusts to reduce […]