Browse Planning Your Estate Articles

Estate Planning & Young Adults – What to Consider

Estate planning can help your family make important decisions during difficult times. As our lives become more complex, preparing an estate plan is no longer reserved for older Americans. Here are some situations where certain documents, like a power of attorney, may make sense for young adults in your family.

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Bilal Kaiser - Apr 2013 - Estate Planning Basics
Estate Planning Tools to Account for the Fiscal Cliff

The dust’s settled—we know the country didn’t go over the fiscal cliff. Now it’s time to consider how the new tax laws may affect your estate plan. Spoiler alert: it’s not as bad as you might think.  more...

Renee Hykel Cuddy, Esq. - Feb 2013 - Estate Planning Basics
The Other Side of the Will – Top 10 Duties of an Executor

The role of executor is usually assigned to a close member of the family. Given the nature of the assignment itself, the role can be quite a challenge—both mentally and emotionally. What follows is a list of executor’s duties that hopefully will create the right expectations for the job. more...

Michelle Fabio, Esq. - Dec 2012 - Estate Planning Basics
8 Tips to Start a Conversation with Your Family

Talking to parents or loved ones about making a future plan can seem overwhelming. But not making a plan should not be an option. Here are 8 tips to help make the process easier. more...

LegalZoom Staff - Nov 2012 - Estate Planning Basics
People Who Leave Fortunes to Their Pets

Some people really love their pets. And some people take their fondness for their pets to another level by leaving them fortunes—sometimes outrageous ones. See the lengths some pet lovers have gone to for their beloved pets. more...

Heleigh Bostwick - Aug 2012 - Debate & Controversy
How a Durable Power of Attorney Can Give You Peace of Mind

With many things in life, it’s difficult to plan ahead. But when it comes to making decisions that affect your family and your finances, why take chances? With a durable power of attorney, you can rest assured knowing that important matters can be taken care of without burdening loved ones. more...

Michelle Fabio, Esq. - Aug 2012 - Estate Planning Basics
Where to Store a Last Will

After you’ve made a last will, one question many people have is where to store the document. Before you decide to store it in a plastic bag in your freezer, one thing to note is that you have options for where to safely store your will. more...

Stephanie Morrow - Aug 2012 - Last Wills
Planning Ahead for the End

Having a last will or living trust is a stellar example of not only planning for the end, but helping protect loved ones. Some folks, however—including Apple’s Steve Jobs—take planning to a whole new level with POD accounts, preplanned funeral arrangements and more. more...

Stephanie Morrow - May 2012 - Estate Planning Basics
When is an Attorney Crucial to Your Estate Planning?

Some estates are, well, more complicated than others. Perhaps there’s a new marriage or children from new spouse. Or maybe there are atypical business assets such as a nonprofit or an unusual tax situation. How to make an estate plan that makes sense? An attorney may be able to help. more...

Renee Hykel, Esq. - Mar 2012 - Estate Planning Basics
Annual Checkup: Is Your Estate Plan Up-to-Date?

Having an estate plan is an important step toward protecting your family for the future. Keeping it up-to-date is just as important as having one in place, especially if your wishes and circumstances have recently changed. more...

Bilal Kaiser - Feb 2012 - Estate Planning Basics