Browse Planning Your Estate Articles

The Great Stork Derby and Other Unusual Wills

F. Scott Fitzgerald once said, “Let me tell you about the very rich. They are different from you and me.” He was, of course, referring to their lifestyles. But for some, their eccentricities would continue after their deaths as evidenced by these very quirky last wills. more...

Stephanie Morrow - Nov 2011 - Last Wills
The Probate Process: Four Simple Steps

The last thing family and friends want is to have estate matters drawn out for months after someone dies. Knowing what probate actually involves will help ease fears about the process—one that isn’t always as complex as you might think. more...

Renee M. Hykel, Esq. - Oct 2011 - Last Wills
The Perils of Poison Pill Clauses

No matter how unfair they may seem, some last wills should just be left alone—especially those that contain a “no contest” or “poison pill” clause. When enforceable, this clause can fuel the fire for family squabbles from beyond the grave. more...

Michelle Fabio, Esq. - Sep 2011 - Last Wills
Protecting Your Digital Assets in the Afterlife

We’re more connected to the digital world than ever before. Businesses are using the Web to go global and people are using websites such as Facebook, Twitter or their blogs to communicate. The result is the ever-growing mass of digital assets—which is often left in cyberspace after you die. more...

C.Yoder - Aug 2011 - Last Wills
Living Trusts 101: Funding and Managing a Living Trust

A living trust gives you one of the most flexible ways to plan your estate. But once you get a living trust, then what? There are a few important steps to follow to make sure your living trust does what you intended it to do—distribute your assets based on your wishes while avoiding probate. Find out how to fund your living trust, how long it lasts and whether or not it’s the only estate planning tool you’ll need. more...

Michelle Fabio, Esq. - Jul 2011 - Living Trusts
Simple Estate Planning Tool for Couples: The Mirror Will

Whether married or unmarried, chances are, you’ve thought about how to plan your estate. While you have several estate planning tools at your disposal, there is one—mirror wills—that could work if you mostly agree on how to handle your estate. Read on for more information about mirror wills—including what they are, how they work and who they protect—to help you determine if this simple estate planning tool is right for you. more...

Renee Hykel, Esq. - Jun 2011 - Estate Planning Basics
Don’t Have a Will? 10 Common But Misguided Excuses

Although making a will might seem like a big task—it isn’t. A will is simple and straightforward, and something that everyone should have. Yet, many people don’t. And why not? Read on for the 10 most common excuses along with some common sense tips to help overcome them. more...

Heleigh Bostwick - Jun 2011 - Estate Planning Basics
5 Myths About Wills – Debunked

Summer is the perfect time to relax, visit with friends—and make your will. Huh? Contrary to popular belief, a will doesn’t have to be a complicated, arduous or time-consuming task. Often, people put off making theirs for these and other reasons—really just myths—based on outdated ideas. Check out five common myths about will-making and why they don’t stand up at all. more...

Michelle Fabio, Esq. - Jun 2011 - Last Wills
Estate Plans and Intellectual Property: What to Consider

When creating an estate plan, you want to be sure to take all your property into consideration—including your intellectual property. Passing a trademark, copyright or patent though a will or living trust can ensure the benefits of your hard work go to the people you choose. While many intellectual property owners may not realize they can pass on their property rights through an estate plan, whether you know it or not, your intellectual property could end up being much more valuable than you think. more...

LegalZoom Staff - May 2011 - Last Wills
Top 10 Considerations When Naming a Guardian in Your Will

Planning your last will is an important task—but even more so when there are children involved. Without specifying a legal guardian in your will, you are leaving this hugely important decision up to strangers. Suggestions to consider include if you want your children to live together, coguardians, and whether or not your child would have to change schools. more...

Michelle Fabio, Esq. - May 2011 - Last Wills