In this episode, host Tammi Caress emphasizes the crucial importance of properly signing a Last Will and Testament to ensure its validity. She shares some jaw-dropping tales of what happens when wills aren't signed correctly—think unexpected heirs and family drama.

Tammi’s advice? Get a pro, follow the rules, and keep the peace (and your wishes) intact!

What You Will Learn:

1. Importance of Proper Will Execution
2. Case Studies of improperly signed wills
3. State Law and Intestate Succession
4. Legal Requirement for a Valid Will
5. Special Circumstances to Will Signings
6. Are E-signatures Valid?

Links and Resources

Episode 21 Untangling the Knot? 

 https://caresslaw.estate/estate-planning-podcast/

 Business google review: https://g.page/r/CZ7knJUB7Sd8EB0/review

https://caresslaw.estate/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/caresslaw/

Follow the podcast in Apple Podcasts or Spotify

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/navigating-estate-planning-with-caress-law/id1576876621

https://open.spotify.com/show/4iGJ7mtWDeqgHExxPqKeKp

Is your spouse entitled to a certain share of your estate? In this episode Tammi Caress discusses Oregon’s Elective share, the amount a spouse is entitled to receive, and how planning ahead can save time and expense for your loved ones.

Connect with Tammi Caress

https://caresslaw.estate/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/caresslaw/

How would you feel if you had no control over who inherited from you? This is precisely what happens when a person passes away without a will: they give up their freedom to choose who their beneficiaries are and how they inherit.

In this episode we discuss what it means to die intestate (without a Will) and the impact it has on those you leave behind.

Links and Resources Mentioned

What is Probate and Can it be Avoided podcast episode

https://caresslaw.estate/episode-2-what-is-probate-and-can-it-be-avoided/

Free On Demand Workshops: https://caresslaw.estate/estate-planning-workshops/

Business google review: https://g.page/r/CZ7knJUB7Sd8EB0/review

Connect with Tammi Caress

https://caresslaw.estate/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/caresslaw/

Joining host Tammi Caress in this episode of Navigating Estate Planning with Caress Law is Lori Eckel, a certified clinical social worker who focuses on palliative care, hospice, and serious illness. Tammi and Lori discuss the significance of living wills and advanced directives, emphasizing the part they play in a person's priorities and values, and when it's best to start advanced care planning.

Key Takeaways:

1. Purpose of Advanced Directives
2. Beyond End-of-Life Decisions
3. Involving Appointed Representatives
4. Role of Healthcare Providers
5. Optimal Timing for Advanced Care Planning

How to contact Lori Eckel: https://www.lorieckel-lcsw.com/

Resources:

Conversation Project: https://theconversationproject.org/

Prepare for Your Care: https://prepareforyourcare.org/en/welcome

Caress Law Resources: https://caresslaw.estate/estate-planning-resources/

Caress Law Free Workshops: https://caresslaw.estate/estate-planning-workshops/

Connect with Tammi Caress

https://caresslaw.estate/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/caresslaw/

In this episode of "Navigating Estate Planning with Caress Law," host Tammi Caress dives into the often-overlooked yet crucial topic of including pets in your estate plan. With her beloved golden retriever by her side, Tammi emphasizes the emotional bond we share with our furry companions and offers actionable steps to ensure their care even after we're gone.

Key Points Covered:

• Personal Connection to Pets
• Importance of Pet Planning in Estate Plans
• Incorporating Pets into Estate Plans
• Choosing Caretakers for Pets
• Alternative Options for Pet Care

Recommended Action Items:

• Review and update estate plans to include provisions for pets.
• Consider potential caretakers and trustees for pets' well-being.
• Explore options such as pet trusts and charitable programs for pet care.

Google Business Review: https://g.page/r/CZ7knJUB7Sd8EB0/review

Connect with Tammi Caress

https://caresslaw.estate/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/caresslaw/

Tammi Caress is the founder of Caress Law, PC, a boutique estate planning, probate, and trust administration firm servicing clients in the States of Oregon and Washington. In today’s episode, Tammi shares advanced estate planning strategies to minimize estate taxation and pass more wealth to your loved ones. 

Key Points:

• Overview of estate and gift taxes, emphasizing thresholds for taxation at federal and state levels.
• Techniques discussed:
• Tax-free gifts up to $18,000 per individual annually.
• Direct payment of tuition and medical expenses to institutions.
• Charitable contributions and trusts for tax deductions and reducing estate tax burden.
• Irrevocable trusts such as charitable remainder trusts and grantor retained annuity trusts.
• Family limited partnerships to reduce estate tax through minority interest discounts.

Google review: https://g.page/r/CZ7knJUB7Sd8EB0/review

If you want written materials on the subject, please click on the link to our blog:

7 Advanced Estate Planning Strategies to Reduce Estate Taxes:

 https://caresslaw.estate/?s=advance+estate&et_pb_searchform_submit=et_search_proccess&et_pb_include_posts=yes&et_pb_include_pages=yes

Connect with Tammi Caress

https://caresslaw.estate/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/caresslaw/

Tammi Caress is the founder of Caress Law, PC, a boutique estate planning, probate, and trust administration firm servicing clients in the States of Oregon and Washington. In Today’s episode Tammi Caress shares with you the importance of transparency with your estate planning attorney. 

Key Points:

• Transparency with Your Estate Planning Attorney
• Understanding Beneficiary Histories
• Living-in Persons in Your Home
• Non-Blood Related Family Members
• Special Needs Beneficiaries
• Anticipating Family Dynamics and Conflicts
• International Considerations
• Health Status Disclosure
• Updates on Life Changes

Google review: https://g.page/r/CZ7knJUB7Sd8EB0/review

Connect with Tammi Caress

https://caresslaw.estate/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/caresslaw/

In this podcast episode, Tammi Caress, founder of Caress Law, delves into the power of disclaimers in estate planning to minimize estate taxes and maximize inheritance. Through clear explanations and illustrative examples, listeners gain insights into how disclaimers can strategically shape one's legacy. Tammi emphasizes the importance of timely action, coordination with a professional estate planning team, and regular reviews to ensure the effectiveness of the estate plan over time.

Key Topics

1. What is a disclaimer?
2. Estate Tax Overview
3. How the disclaimer plan works to minimize estate taxes
4. Benefits of Disclaimer Planning
5. Key Considerations in Disclaimer Planning

Google Review link: https://g.page/r/CZ7knJUB7Sd8EB0/review

Connect with Tammi Caress

https://caresslaw.estate/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/caresslaw/

Understanding your estate is crucial for securing your legacy and protecting your loved ones' futures. Join us in this episode as we demystify the term 'estate' and explore its profound impact on your estate plan.

Understanding the Estate

• An estate comprises all your assets, regardless of their value, including:

• Real property (e.g., homes, land)
• Cash equivalent accounts (e.g., savings, money market)
• Stocks, bonds, and investment accounts
• Business interests (e.g., LLCs, partnerships)
• Life insurance policies
• Retirement accounts (e.g., IRAs, 401ks)

• Key point: Nearly everyone has an estate, regardless of wealth.

Importance in Estate Planning

• Different assets have varying inheritance processes:

• Assets with beneficiaries bypass the will and probate process.
• Jointly owned assets transfer directly to the surviving owner.

• Wills control probate assets, while trusts govern trust assets.
• Proper titling and beneficiary designations are crucial for asset distribution according to wishes.

Types of Estates

• Probate Estate:

• Governed by the will, includes assets without designated beneficiaries or joint owners.
• Subject to probate proceedings for distribution.

• Trust Estate:

• Assets owned by a trust, managed according to trust terms.
• Avoids probate and provides privacy in asset distribution.

Tax Implications

• Estate tax applies to the total value of assets at death.
• Thresholds for filing estate tax returns vary by state:

• In Oregon, over $1 million; in Washington, just under $2.2 million.

• Proper estate planning can minimize tax liabilities through strategic asset management.

Conclusion and Resources

• Preparation is key: Maintain a detailed asset list with current titling and beneficiary information.
• Caress Law offers resources such as on-demand classes and live webinars for comprehensive estate planning education.

• https://caresslaw.estate/estate-planning-workshops/7-truths-and-untruths-of-estate-planning/
• https://caresslaw.estate/episode-3-the-effect-of-account-titling-and-beneficiary-designations-in-your-estate-plan/
• https://caresslaw.estate/episode-2-what-is-probate-and-can-it-be-avoided/

• Visit www.caresslaw.estate  for access to workshops and further guidance on estate planning.

In this episode, we explore the intricacies of estate planning and highlight seven common mistakes individuals often make when crafting their estate plans. From procrastination to neglecting digital assets, our discussion aims to empower listeners with the knowledge to navigate these pitfalls and secure their legacy.

In this episode you will learn from the mistakes of others and be given tools to prevent making similar mistakes yourself. Here are some of the topics covered:

• DIY Wills and Trusts

• Working with an Estate Planning Attorney to minimize taxes

• Who to choose as your executor or trustee

• How to plan for your digital assets

• Funding your revocable trust

• Minimizing delays and estate complications

If you like the show, please subscribe and tell your friends and family about our show. 

Tune in to safeguard your assets and ensure your wishes are honored in this crucial aspect of Estate planning.

Connect with Tammi Caress

https://caresslaw.estate/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/caresslaw/

Tammi Caress is the founder of Caress Law, PC, a boutique estate planning, probate, and trust administration firm servicing clients in Oregon and Washington. After 20 years of practice, Tammi shares real-life mistakes her clients have made that cost them time, money, and peace of mind.