There are advantages and disadvantages to using a trust as an estate planning tool. Depending on your goals, the use of a trust can be an effective way to achieve your estate planning objectives. Trusts are usually categorized in one of two ways: 1. Inter Vivos Trust (Living Trust) An inter vivos, or living, trust is created during your lifetime …
Special Needs Trusts and ABLE Accounts
A look at the role they can potentially play for families. Parents raising a child with special needs can face financial stress. State and federal programs simply don’t address all the long-term financial demands of their households. Two intriguing financial options may provide help. A special needs trust can serve as a resource. It can be created with family assets …
Don’t Discount Your Will
A self-created last will and testament may lead to problems. As an early step in estate planning, you may be tempted to write your own will. There are some good reasons why you shouldn’t. While do-it-yourself wills may be cost-effective and make the process of will creation relatively simple, they also have shortcomings. DIY wills tend toward the basic and …
Estate Planning for Those Living in Blended Families
Today majority of blended families live together peacefully without any issues. However, what if one spouse dies suddenly? How are the biological children of the deceased spouse placed in terms of inheritance? It is particularly important for blended families to discuss matters related to estate planning beforehand. Here are a few points that could help with estate planning for blended …
Making a Valid Will in Arizona
Valid Will in Arizona A will can be the most crucial legal document you can create during your lifetime. Your will elaborates on how your property and money must be distributed after your death. The document also nominates a personal representative who will be entrusted to administer your estate and also names a guardian (if applicable) to care for your …