How does estate planning work without children or other heirs?
For some people, estate planning is a very simple process. They want most or all of their property to pass to specific members of their family. Many people leave resources for their spouses to ensure their comfort in the future. However, children are often the main...
Can survivorship life insurance be a part of your estate plan?
Survivorship life insurance, or second-to-die insurance, is a policy that covers two individuals, typically a married couple. The death benefit is paid out only after both insured parties have passed away. Unlike individual life insurance policies, survivorship life...
How to address your timeshare in your estate planning
Nevada, the "Silver State," is synonymous with glitz, glamour and sunshine. Many flock to this desert oasis to experience the thrill of Las Vegas or the serenity of Lake Tahoe. For some, Nevada becomes a home away from home, thanks to the allure of timeshare...
How to talk to your aging parents about estate planning
Talking about finances and health challenges can be very emotional. Many older adults grew up in households where such discussions were largely deemed inappropriate. They may pass those values on to their children, who may then struggle to talk about practical...
Are estate planning fees tax deductible?
Creating an estate plan is not a legal necessity, but it is a practical obligation. Those with sizable personal resources need an estate plan in place to protect those assets and arrange for their distribution to others in the future. Those with dependent family...
What percentage of people choose to have living trusts versus wills?
In estate planning, two essential testamentary documents often come into play: living trusts and wills. These legal instruments give individuals control over their assets and the distribution of their wealth after their death. How do people choose between these two...
Should children know what they’re going to inherit when you die?
Those putting together an estate plan have to think carefully about the relationships that they've had with their family members and other loved ones. They typically need to very carefully evaluate their financial circumstances to see what resources they can offer and...
How will a minor child receive their inheritance after your passing?
In many cases, estate planning occurs when someone’s children have reached the age of majority. They’re already 18 years old or older, so it’s just a process of transferring assets to the next generation. They are allowed to inherit property, so parents can opt to...
Can estate planning be affordable?
A significant number of adults do not have an estate plan even though they have property in their names or dependent family members. One of the many reasons that people cite for putting off estate planning is that it can be expensive. A review of national costs...
How do retirement accounts factor into estate planning?
Your retirement accounts may have a higher total value than the home where you live if you are already close to retirement age. After all, those savings will need to support your household for years after you officially and your career. Experts have long recommended...