Estate Planning

What is federal inheritance tax vs. estate taxes?

An inheritance tax is different from an estate tax. Whether you have to pay one, both, or neither depends upon the state where you live.

April 22, 2024 · 8 min read

Do I need a living will?

A living will is an important document every adult should complete with thoughtfulness and care. Doing so protects not only you but your family as well.

April 22, 2024 · 2 min read

Common terms in wills and trusts

When you first begin working on your will or trust, you may find some of the terms are unfamiliar. Find out what these legal terms mean.

April 22, 2024 · 4 min read

Talk to your family about writing a will

Over 70 percent of Americans put off writing a will until its too late. With the holidays upon us, how can you effectively start the conversation with your family so that they stay protected and don't end up a statistic?

April 22, 2024 · 3 min read

Should I use a last will and testament template?

Using a template to write a will works perfectly well for some people, but there are some things you should consider when deciding whether it's the right choice for you.

April 22, 2024 · 23 min read

Protect your disabled child with a special needs trust

Parents with special needs children must take extra care with their estate planning. To ensure that the children receive appropriate care and support after their parents are gone, most experts recommend creating a special needs trust.

April 22, 2024 · 3 min read

Who is a trustee?

In estate planning, two primary instruments to transfer property come to mind: the first is a will, the second is a trust. A will is easy to understand; you say what someone gets, they get it. The concept behind a trust is somewhat more complex, and you need trustees. So what is a trustee, and what function does that person serve?

April 22, 2024 · 3 min read

How to get a death certificate

You may need a copy of your loved one's death certificate as you begin to wrap up their affairs. Here's what you need to know to take the necessary steps to finish handling your loved one's estate.

April 22, 2024 · 8 min read

What is a life estate deed?

A life estate deed is one way of transferring ownership of real property.

April 22, 2024 · 3 min read

Joint last wills and testaments

April 22, 2024 · 2 min read