Estate Planning
Plan for your future today. Learn the specific estate planning documents you need to protect yourself and your loved ones.
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What Does an Executor Do (Definition)?
Need a simple, non-legalese “executor" definition? An executor is the person who handles a deceased person's estate, making sure all property is distributed according to the decedent's wishes and that all debts are paid. Usually, executors are close family members of the deceased—spouses, children, parents, or siblings—but the person writing a will (the “testator") can choose anyone to fulfill this role.
· 3 min read
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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.
· 4 min read
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Estate Planning Mistakes to Avoid
Many people put off estate planning because the process seems intimidating, but planning your estate doesn't have to be difficult. Check out these common and easily avoidable mistakes before you get started.
· 2 min read
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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.
· 5 min read
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Should You Put Online Passwords in Your Will?
People are using the Internet to manage more financial transactions than ever before, from paying bills to big-money transactions like investing or real estate. Many of those who embrace the concept also enjoy the paper-free convenience of receiving their financial documents electronically—bills, account statements, annual reports, and more.
· 3 min read
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Should Your Power of Attorney Be Updated?
Whether you're planning your estate or need someone to handle important financial or legal matters for you while you're away, a power of attorney is an important legal document to have. If you don't have one yet, now is a great time to get one—the laws in many states have been revised to reflect a uniform standard. If you already have a power of attorney, check if your state has revised the laws and update your power of attorney to include the current best practices.
· 4 min read
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Estate Planning Questions: Should You Set Up Multiple Living Trusts?
Whether multiple trusts are really better than just one depends on your intended beneficiaries, tax concerns, and overall estate planning goals.
· 3 min read
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Life Insurance in Estate Planning
Did you know that life insurance can be one of your most effective and flexible tools when it comes to estate planning? Read on for more information.
· 4 min read
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No-Contest Clauses in Wills and Trusts
Are you concerned about a potential challenge to your will or trust once you're gone? A no-contest clause in a will or trust can be quite effective in discouraging challenges to the documents after your death.
· 4 min read
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Understanding Probate Lawyer Fees
While not every estate needs a probate lawyer, having an experienced attorney as an ally can be a big help to an executor or administrator – but how much will it cost and who is paying?
· 4 min read
