Most people do not have an estate plan, so you are already ahead of the game if you have created one. If you haven’t, along with roughly 2/3 of Americans, it may be time to consider getting one in place. But it’s not just drafting the estate plan that is important....
How many powers of attorney types are available in the Metroplex?
There are several types of power of attorney that individuals can utilize for various legal and financial purposes. Understanding these different types is crucial for anyone seeking to appoint an agent to act on their behalf in specific situations. General Power of...
Including your pet in your estate planning
Pets have become an essential part of most families in the United States. Most households own at least one pet, and it is not uncommon for people planning their estate to think about what will happen to their pet after they pass or when they can no longer care for it....
Should you include your adult children in your estate planning?
Many parents, particularly those close to their adult children, feel inclined to rely on them and welcome their participation and input in their lives, especially with sensitive matters like estate planning. Some adult children appreciate this closeness with their...
The emotionally taxing process of estate planning
Writing a will presents challenges for most “authors.” Planning for a time when the document’s writer will be deceased is something that no one wants to face. Even though proactive steps can provide for a stable future for descendants, facing mortality can be...
Don’t forget your digital assets in your estate plan
Creating a thorough estate plan is integral to passing on your legacy. You have spent a lifetime surrounded by loved ones, and your estate plan allows you to offer support and peace of mind. Some aspects of estate planning are simple; you know how to distribute assets...
6 common reasons for probate litigation
Parents are often the glue that holds families together even after the kids move out and start their own families. When the parents or loved ones die, leaving behind assets, that glue also dissolves. The family dynamic then shifts. It can occur over time or break...
Make sure that your will is properly executed according to state law requirements
If you are a careful person who likes to plan for the future and doesn’t like to take unnecessary risks, you have probably spent a lot of time thinking about what you want your estate plan to do once you are no longer around. It would be a shame, then, for a judge to...
A-B Trusts work for blended families
Looking after your children is one of the most important and challenging jobs for many parents. Perhaps even more so when the parents remarry, bringing children from previous marriages into the family unit. The parents may lean towards trying to share the estate...
Dividing a business among the kids can be a mistake
Parents often go to great lengths to make sure they treat their children equally. So, it is no surprise that parents who own a business will often divide ownership equally among the children. While they appreciate the sentiment, some business experts believe passing a...