Category: Estate Planning

The executor plays a crucial role in the probate of a decedent’s estate. As executor, the person assuming this position must manage the estate of the decedent throughout the probate process. The executor must inventory and manage property of the estate. All potential creditors of the estate must be notified by the executor...

When properly crafted, an estate plan has so much more to offer than simply a way to distribute assets to your family and loved ones. There is an extensive range of estate planning tools that are often overlooked, but can provide many benefits to those who choose to access them. For instance, a 529...

Estate planning is something everyone should do as soon as possible. It is an important process that puts critical legal tools in place to protect you and your loved ones. There will be many difficult decisions you will have to make during the estate planning process. This is true just of creating your...

Many people have charitable causes about which they are passionate. When estate planning, you may wish to consider planned charitable giving which will allow you to support your charitable interests. There are several ways to include charitable giving. It will provide you with the opportunity to continue championing those causes that hold a...

Estate planning involves putting important tools and legal protections in place related to your end of life wishes as well as others associated with ensuring your healthcare decisions are respected and your financial well being is protected. This does not mean that estate planning is only for those individuals who are older or...

There are many different trust types available to use when estate planning. Each different type of trust serves a different purpose and has its own benefits. The value that you may find in the proper implementation of the right kind of trust to serve your own purposes can be substantial. This is part of...

The administration of an estate can be a lengthy and sometimes frustrating process. The personal representative of the estate is tasked with its administration and the job duties are extensive. To administer the estate, the personal representative must, among other things, gather and protect all assets, take inventory of the assets, notify all...

Putting an estate plan in place is so important. One of the most common estate planning mistakes is not having an estate plan at all. That being said, a properly drafted estate plan is critical to best serving you and your loved ones. Mistakes in the drafting of an estate plan can have serious...

The law recognizes that we come to depend on our spouses in a multitude of ways. We depend on our spouses for things like both emotional and financial support. If your spouse passes away and, for some reason or another, fails to leave you an inheritance or leave you a small inheritance, you may...

The executor of the estate has many responsibilities when it comes to the managing and settling of the estate. One such responsibility is filing income tax on behalf of the estate. The executor is required to file a federal income tax return using Form 1041 for the estate if the estate has a gross...