Estate Planning

Many high-asset families assume their life insurance payout is completely tax-free. While it is generally free from income taxes, the story changes when it comes to estate taxes. If you own the policy yourself, the death benefit becomes part of your taxable estate....

For some people, wills are the foundation of a broad and comprehensive estate plan. For others, wills are the only documents they establish. Ensuring that a will properly addresses the needs of dependent family members and the distribution of various resources is...

The estate planning process can be relatively complex. The bigger an individual’s family grows and the more resources they accumulate, the greater the likelihood of administration challenges. People hoping to maximize the impact of their legacy on others might need to...

Those establishing estate plans often want to leave a long-term and meaningful legacy that positively influences others. They might want to make contributions to charitable causes or provide assets and financial support for family members. Before the beneficiaries of...

A comprehensive estate plan is important for all adults. One of the primary purposes of an estate plan is to provide information about what to do with your assets when you pass away. There are many options available to achieve this end effectively. One option that you...

Taxes are one of many factors that influence someone's estate plan. Beneficiaries may trigger taxes when they sell inherited resources. Both the decedent and the estate could be responsible for income taxes. Very large estates could also be subject to federal estate...

Powers of attorney are typically documents that enable a person to appoint another person to make decisions, access information, and handle certain matters if they cannot do so. Generally, the most common types of powers of attorney are: Financial power of attorney...

When you’re making an estate plan, you have the option to put your assets into a trust. The alternative would be simply listing heirs and assets in your will, which means that those heirs will inherit the assets you have indicated, once your debts have been settled by...

Estate planning is a way to pass your assets on to the next generation, but it also goes far beyond that. It is a complex and wide-ranging plan for the end of your life, and it may address things like medical care, taxes, financial decisions, business ownership and...

Did you know that your estate plan could protect your children and their needs if you are hurt or pass away? Your estate plan can include a guardianship that assigns a guardian in the event that you or your children’s other parent cannot care for them. It can also...