A trust is a legal document whereby you transfer ownership of assets to a trust and name someone you have confidence in as the trustee. The trustee manages the trust and makes sure your assets are transferred to your named beneficiaries when you die. There are many types of trusts that serve different purposes. There […]

Trusts are typically straightforward – they are arrangements in which a third party holds assets on behalf of someone else. A special needs trust is a bit more complex. Also known as a discretionary trust, a special needs trust provides for the needs of a child or adult beneficiary who has a disability. The main […]

In order to understand what a joint will is, it’s essential to start with what a will is. A will is a legal document that sets out how you would like all of your assets and liabilities treated after you pass. It can also create a trust and name a guardian for minor children. A […]

Creating an irrevocable trust may be one of the best things you’ll do when planning your estate. A trust moves money and assets from one person (or entity) to another. This legal document allows you to state who receives your assets, and how and when they receive them. A trust can provide you and your […]

A Revocable Trust is one of many types of trusts.  Each is designed to offer something different. As tools, these legal documents help people preserve their assets in ways that meet the needs of their estates. Trusts can be broken down into two groups: Revocable Trust Irrevocable Trust A revocable trust can be “revoked” – […]

A Last Will and Testament is one of the best ways to protect your legacy. Also known simply as a will, this legal document allows you to control what happens to your property when you die. Even if you have a trust a will is still necessary to provide for a “personal representative” with powers […]

During estate planning or when you write a will, you can grant a person (fiduciary) certain responsibilities – an executor, trustees, and guardians are all examples. Fiduciaries have a significant role in the management of your estate. As such, it is important that these roles be filled by people who can manage their responsibilities so […]

Probate litigation is the process by which the probate court determines the validity of a will, evaluates the assets of an estate, determines liabilities, determines the heirs or beneficiaries and distributes property, should there be assets. Read for further information about what this process entails. The Actions of Probate Litigation When you die, and you […]

A Spendthrift Trust is a legal framework that protects the assets within a trust from a potentially irresponsible beneficiary who might harm the trust by overspending or squandering the assets. The spendthrift trust also protects the trust and its assets from creditors of the beneficiary. The creditors are not able to seize the assets of […]

What are the six essential steps to producing a quality estate plan, and how do you implement that plan? This is a common set of questions that apply to most people who want to plan for after they have passed. The six steps are as follows, and they will change slightly depending on your goals […]