Estate Planning Basics
Learn the essentials around planning and protecting the future for your family and loved ones.
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What Is a Lady Bird Deed? Its Purpose and Which States Allow It
In certain situationas, an enhanced life estate deed, or Lady Bird Deed, offers some benefits over a traditional estate plan.
· 4 min read
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Using a Survivorship Deed
If you want to avoid the probate process, consider using a survivorship deed. Is this estate planning tool right for you?
· 3 min read
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How to Add a Spouse’s Name to a House Deed
You can add your spouse to your home’s deed by using a notarized quitclaim deed or adding them to your will.
· 10 min read
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How to Write a Eulogy: 5 Short Eulogy Examples
Knowing how to write a eulogy doesn’t come naturally. Especially in times of grief. Here are some examples to help you prepare
· 13 min read
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What Does Per Stirpes Mean in Estate Planning?
Per stirpes is the legal term for how assets are distributed if a beneficiary dies before you. Learn how it impacts your legacy and estate.
· 6 min read
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How to Open an Estate Account: A Step-by-Step Guide
Learn why an estate account is an ideal vehicle to properly administer an estate and how you can easily open one.
· 8 min read
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Estate Planning When You Have Property in Different States
Passing down property owned in multiple states can prove challenging, but some solutions may avoid probate court.
· 3 min read
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How to File a Small Estate Affidavit in Texas
Because probate proceedings can be expensive and time-consuming, Texas has provided a small estate affidavit procedure for decedents with small estates. Find out who qualifies and how to file this affidavit.
· 3 min read
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What Does the Executor of a Will Get Paid?
One of the most common questions about serving as the executor of a will is whether an executor gets paid for administering a decedent's estate—and the logical follow-up to that question is, “If so, how much?" The simple answer is that, either through specific will provisions or applicable state law, an executor is usually entitled to receive compensation. The amount varies depending on the situation, but the executor is always paid out of the probate estate.
· 3 min read
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What Is an Affidavit of Heirship?
You may need to create and file an affidavit of heirship if a family member has died without a will and you believe you are entitled to inherit any property left behind.
· 4 min read
