In this vlog, estate planning and elder care attorney Maggie LaBranch-Gonzales discusses updating your Homeowner and Title Insurance when you have a living trust estate plan. … [Read more...] about Homeowner and Title Insurance When You Have a Living Trust (VIDEO)
Estate Planning and the Rule of Three (VIDEO)
In this vlog, estate planning and elder care attorney Justin M. Kennedy discusses Estate Planning and the Rule of Three. To learn more about the importance of comprehensive estate planning and applying the rule of three to your plan, attend one of our free living trust seminars by clicking here. … [Read more...] about Estate Planning and the Rule of Three (VIDEO)
Five Tips for Planning Your Estate Effectively
A lot of people without estate plans do not take action because they don’t know where to begin. With this in mind, let’s look at five tips that should provide some insight and motivation. Focus on Your Family Estate planning can seem like a somber responsibility that is easy to put off, and the years of inaction can start to add up. You may know that you should put a plan in place, but it is easy to convince yourself that there is time to do it later. Indeed, you may live a long and full … [Read more...] about Five Tips for Planning Your Estate Effectively
The Joy in Joint Trusts
Joint trusts offer clients many benefits both during life and after death. Those with joint trusts need to understand the limitations inherent in the trust and the importance of seeking qualified counsel upon the death of the first spouse to ensure that the trust administration runs smoothly. A recent Michigan case highlights what happens when the surviving spouse fails to do that or simply ignores the terms of the trust altogether. Read on to learn more. … [Read more...] about The Joy in Joint Trusts
What Is Probate and Why Do People Avoid It?
Probate is the legal process that occurs after someone dies, where their assets are distributed to their heirs or beneficiaries. While probate can be a necessary and important process, it can also be time-consuming, expensive, and stressful for those involved. For this reason, many people choose to avoid probate altogether. In this post, we will explore why you would want to avoid probate. Time-Consuming One of the main reasons people want to avoid probate is because it can be a lengthy … [Read more...] about What Is Probate and Why Do People Avoid It?
Living Trust Bank Accounts and FDIC Insurance (VIDEO)
In this vlog, Attorney Justin M. Kennedy discusses how FDIC Insurance works for Living Trusts. … [Read more...] about Living Trust Bank Accounts and FDIC Insurance (VIDEO)
Do I Pay Income Taxes on Living Trust Payouts?
The revocable living trust is a very versatile estate planning tool that can be the ideal choice for a wide range of people. Before we look at the taxation question, we will explain a few of the benefits so you understand why living trusts are so effective. Probate Avoidance Some people assume that the executor of a will can act independently without supervision, but this is not the case. The will must be admitted to probate, and a court would provide supervision during the administration … [Read more...] about Do I Pay Income Taxes on Living Trust Payouts?
Yes, You Need an Estate Plan! (VIDEO)
In this Vlog, Attorney Justin M. Kennedy discusses his new book "Yes, You Need an Estate Plan!" Justin illustrates in this Vlog that everyone over the age of 18 needs some sort of estate plan, and the documents which should be included in an estate plan can change over the course of someone's life. For more information on Justin's book, visit www.attorneyoffice.com/book. … [Read more...] about Yes, You Need an Estate Plan! (VIDEO)
Disaster Scenario Beneficiary
In this Vlog, Attorney Justin M. Kennedy discusses who inherits from an estate if every named beneficiary has passed away. … [Read more...] about Disaster Scenario Beneficiary
It’s Important to Have a Coordinated Estate Plan
Blog Author: Stephen C. Hartnett, J.D., LL.M. (Tax), Director of Education, American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys, Inc. An Estate Plan includes various different moving parts. The Revocable Trust may be the keystone of the plan, but it’s important to consider how the other parts of the plan will work with…or against…the plan. Let’s look at a simple example. John had three children and he wished to leave his assets to them equally. He had $6 million in various assets. John hired an … [Read more...] about It’s Important to Have a Coordinated Estate Plan