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Estate plans are an essential part of planning for the future, and when you have an heir with a mental disability or other impairment that limits their ability to take care of themselves, it is even more important. The U.S. Census Bureau reports that 10 percent of American families have a special needs child with a physical, emotional, or mental disability, and 60 percent of parents …  read more

The sooner you plan, the more prepared you'll be for life's unexpected twists and turns. You can start now, regardless of your net worth. You might say: “but I’m still paying off student and credit card loans!” Have no fear, your net worth is not the deciding factor in getting your estate organized. One thing to ask yourself is how prepared would your loved ones and family be if …  read more

Trusts for minors are usually set up by parents or relatives who want to leave property to a young person. Thus, naming a trusted adult to care for the property until the child is old enough to be financially responsible. You can specify any age for your child to receive the proceeds, but generally the designated ages are 18, 21, or 25. A minor's trust is often created through a …  read more

Here are big mistakes you want to avoid when you set aside wealth for future heirs: Procrastinating —Always arrange your estate plan as early as possible, and keep it updated. State law may intervene and create a plan of its own if you don’t complete yours in time. Having a do-it-yourself mentality — Although taking charge of your own plan can seem like a good idea — after all, …  read more

Yes, it does happen that someone challenges a will in probate court, testing the will's validity. The usual grounds? That the deceased didn't have the capacity to make the will or was unduly influenced — mystery writers love to leverage this plot point. However, probate courts assume that a signed and witnessed will is valid, so it's going to be an uphill battle.   If you …  read more

Welcome to WordPress. This is your first post. Edit or delete it, then start writing! …  read more

As an adult child, one of the most difficult things you will ever have to endure is watching your parent deteriorate physically and/or mentally. If your parent lives long enough,  however, there is a very good chance you will need to do just that. You may also find yourself concerned about your parent’s ability to safely function independently. If you reach that point, it may be time to …  read more

Following his suicide in August of 2014, we learned that Robin Williams had crafted a rather sophisticated estate plan that protected his assets well, and left directions for how he wished his property to be distributed after his death. Unfortunately, it appears that some of the language in that estate plan was not as clear as it could have been, as the former actor’s children and …  read more

The effectiveness of any estate planning tool, including letters of instruction, depends entirely on your ability to make sure it matches you needs, desires, and circumstances. Topics covered in this report include: Financial Details Contact Names and Information Online Data Crafting an Effective Letter …  read more