There are many unknowns when planning an estate, but you can’t let the uncertainties get in the way of creating any kind of plan. Having an imperfect plan is usually better than having no plan at all.  When planning an estate you want to be able to consider all the angles, but there are inevitably a number of “known unknowns” that can make planning difficult. These include: How long you Read More

When people pass away, the estate administration process introduces a new cast of characters who will need to be addressed. Though each of these parties may be known, if this is your first time navigating an estate administration process, the terms may be new. First, many of the person's assets may go through probate — a legal process that distributes the person’s assets after death. (Keep in mind Read More

So, you’re officially divorced. In starting this new chapter of life, estate planning may not be at the top of your list, but it should be. You may no longer be legally married, but divorce does not automatically remove your prior spouse from your will, trust, or beneficiary designations. Even in the friendliest of divorces, a review is always a good idea at this juncture. Here are some items to consider Read More

When an individual passes away without a funeral plan, responsibility for arranging the funeral often falls on the deceased’s close family members, such as surviving spouses and children. Planning your own funeral arrangements can assist your loved ones in an emotionally challenging time, while also protecting them from incurring extraneous costs. While the remainder of this article focuses on the practical Read More

Every year, 16 million people in the United States care for family and friends with dementia, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports. Caregivers of people with dementia provide care for longer durations than those who assist individuals with other conditions. They also have comparably higher risks for anxiety, depression, and reduced quality of life. One-third of caregivers of elders with dementia are Read More

It is hard to know what documents to trash and when. Before you know it, your spare room, office, basement, or garage is overflowing with boxes of papers that all seem important. Trying to weed through the mess and figure out what to toss? Keep reading. Which Documents Should I Keep? There are some documents that you will want to hang on to forever and some that you should keep for a few years. Consider the Read More

Saying goodbye to a loved one is heartbreaking. Making final arrangements can be overwhelming, and knowing what you are allowed to do to fulfill your loved one's wishes is important, but it can also be confusing. If the person you lost wanted to be cremated and have their ashes spread, you should know where you can scatter their ashes to make sure that putting your loved one to rest is done appropriately. If you Read More

Following the death of a family member, you may find yourself needing to sort through many possessions accumulated over the deceased’s lifetime. An estate sale is one quick and efficient way to distribute those items that you do not want or need. While selling someone’s furniture, jewelry, artwork, antiques, and other belongings yourself can mean a great deal of time and effort on your part, there are Read More

If medical personnel are able to access your medical history during an emergency, it could mean the difference between life and death. But if, for example, you are injured, in shock, suffering from dementia, or are otherwise incapacitated, you may not be able to provide that information yourself. There are several systems readily available to help make crucial contact and medical history information available to Read More

Are you a collector? Is someone in your family a collector? Collecting art or other valuable items can be a passion for many people. Often such a pastime is more about enjoying the art or the medium itself than about ensuring financial gain. However, once you have accumulated a sizable collection, what do you want to happen to it after you pass away?  It is important that your estate plan address your Read More