It’s a bit of ancient history, but Jim Morrison’s will highlights a misunderstanding in estate planning that is still common today: What happens to the balance of a bequest when the beneficiary dies? When The Doors lead singer died in 1971 at age 27, his will provided that his entire estate would pass to his girlfriend, Pamela Courson, provided she survived him by three months. If Courson, his "primary Read More
Estate Planning Options for Your Art Collection
Collecting art or other valuable items can be a passion for many people. Often such a pastime is more about enjoying the art or the medium itself than about ensuring financial gain. However, once you have accumulated a sizable collection, what do you want to happen to it after you pass away? It is important that your estate plan address your art separately from your other assets. The first step in estate planning Read More
3 Different Types of Trusts To Fit Your Needs
We’ve written before about the benefits of using Trusts in your Estate Plan. Estate Planning is the process of working with an attorney to create a legally-binding plan for what will happen to your belongings, property, and money after you pass away. Estate Planning can be accomplished through many methods, including Trusts. A Trust is a fund that is managed and protected by a third-party. It is funded by you, to be Read More
5 Times When You Need To Update Your Estate Plan
Estate Planning is the process of working with an attorney to create a legally-binding plan for what will happen to your belongings and property (known as your estate) and your remaining money (known as your assets) after you pass away. If you don’t create an Estate Plan, these decisions are made by a Judge in probate court, not by your family or loved ones. Estate Planning encompasses a lot of different methods, Read More
Wills vs. Trusts: What’s the Difference?
When most people think of Estate Planning, they think of a Will. Whether it’s written on a napkin, on a file on your laptop, or hastily told to someone you love when you get sick, a Will is the full extent that most people will think through their Estate Plan. However, these hand-written Wills often don’t hold up in court - and Wills are just one method of creating an Estate Plan. Estate Planning is the process of Read More
Estate Planning is Easier Than You Think
Most people know they need to make time for Estate Planning, but keep pushing it to the back of their To Do list. Especially if you have never done it before, Estate Planning can feel intimidating. Working with an attorney is something people normally only do if they’re in trouble, and seeking one out feels like a lot of work. Here’s the secret: Estate Planning is a lot easier than you think. Estate Planning is the Read More
How To Leave Your Beach House To Your Loved Ones
Beach houses, vacation homes, and family cabins are all beloved parts of family tradition. Parents raise their children going to the same place every summer, even when some of them were raised going there themselves too. When we talk about Estate Planning, however, a beach house presents unique difficulties that a regular home does not. Will your children be able to keep the vacation spot to take their children there Read More
