While there is NEVER a substitute for a complete, well-thought-out estate plan, shortcuts and alternative ways to transfer your assets DO exist. Many types of assets allow beneficiary designations, transfer-on-death or pay-on-death designations, succession plans for businesses, etc. One of the most popular questions that clients often ask is about what to do with real estate. Because real estate is usually one of the most valuable assets that families will ever own, choosing the appropriate way to transfer real estate upon passing is very high risk, high reward.

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When people think of their “estate” within estate planning, many common assets come to mind. There are proper protocols and procedures for transferring bank accounts, investments, retirement accounts, vehicles, real estate, etc. However, a new type of asset has come into play in the 21st century: digital assets. While the law has tried to play catch-up on how to handle digital assets, there are certain things that can be done now to make sure this part of your estate is properly handled if you become ill or pass away.

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In most circumstances, it is best to work with an estate planning attorney who is local and understands the laws of the state you live in. However, special consideration needs to be given to people who have a residence in multiple states and those who travel frequently. What if you set up your plan in your “home state” but something happens to you while you are living at your second home on the other side of the country? What if you travel for work and are always in a different place? If that sounds like you, stay tuned. 

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As people age, they tend to rely on others to help out. Spouses, children, and other family members often step in to help handle everything from the finances to cutting the grass. If there are no family members that are trustworthy and capable, many look to service providers, caregivers, and other “outside” options. Unfortunately, as people age and become reliant on others, that can make them targets for financial abuse.

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Different types of estate plans allow different levels of flexibility. When setting up a trust, the Trustmaker usually has an opportunity to get extremely detailed in the instructions left for the Trustee to follow when distributing your estate after you pass away. The rules you put in place (and how much discretion you want to leave for your Trustee) should be careful considered. It is impossible to think of every situation that could arise after you pass away. However, there are ways to set rules, boundaries, and guidelines while “future-proofing” your estate and planning for the unexpected after you pass away.

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Many families (and their attorneys) treat estate planning as a one-time transaction. They “set it and forget it.” However, you are ahead of the game! You have decided to have a review meeting with your estate planning attorney to make sure your plan still works the way you intended it to work. Just like having a check up at the doctor, there are certain things you should do to prepare for the meeting.

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When putting together your estate plan, you want to make sure that your assets are going to causes and people you care about. This can be difficult if someone you would like to pass assets down to struggles with drugs, or alcohol. Today we will discuss the questions you should be asking yourself in order to create a plan that is suitable for you and your situation.

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You may have heard about this in the news, but Lisa Marie Presley died on January 12th (2023), at the age of 54. Lisa was the only child of Elvis Presley. She left behind her mother, Priscilla Presley, and her daughter, Riley Keough. Lisa’s son Benjamin Keough passed away a couple of years ago. While sad in its own right, the news has been filled with details that Lisa’s mother, Priscilla, is challenging some changes made to Lisa’s estate plan.

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If you own a home (or multiple homes), you understand that it may be difficult to have multiple co-owners on a property. For many families, the home is also one of the largest assets. Let’s walk through some different scenarios and options on how to handle the house.

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When leaving an inheritance to children or grandchildren, many families prefer to treat everyone the same. Each child (or grandchild) will receive an equal share of the inheritance. While it is the “default” answer, it is not always the right answer. We will discuss some situations where it might not be ideal to leave an equal share to everyone.

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513-463-6789

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