WHAT IS AN ESTATE PLAN? An estate plan is the finished product—the complete set of legal documents that protects you, your assets, and the people you love. It is the blueprint that outlines what happens if you become incapacitated and how your estate is managed and...
A Power of Attorney is one of the most misunderstood — yet most essential — documents in any estate plan. It determines who can step in and manage your financial life when you cannot. Whether due to illness, incapacity, travel, or simple practicality, the person you...
A HIPAA Authorization is one document included in complete estate plan. In 1996, Congress enacted the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) to establish national standards for protecting patient privacy. While most people associate HIPAA with...
In 2020 when it appeared that the pandemic was ramping up, instead of dying out, many Americans got wise to the need for a Healthcare Directive. With so many dying from the coronavirus, it became apparent that preparing for death or incapacity was not just a concern...
When most people think of creating an estate plan, the conversation is centered around human family members e.g., spouses, children, and grandkids. But for many of us, our pets are family, too. They depend on us for safety, comfort, routine, and love. So, what happens...
Estate Planning Myths: What You Need to Know Estate planning myths. Advanced planning is one of the most important gifts you can give yourself and the people you love. Yet many people avoid it because of misinformation, fear, or the belief that it’s only for the...
What Is a Trustee? Being named a trustee is both an honor and a serious responsibility. Whether you step into the role after someone’s death or during their incapacity, your job is to manage, protect, and distribute trust assets according to the trust document and the...
To be valid and enforceable, a trust must be funded with property—known as trust assets. The trust is only as effective as the assets placed into it. These assets can include real estate, such as residential houses, commercial property, rental property, and unimproved...
What is a Will. Why do they matter? What is a will? Its an essential document in a complete estate plan. Most people have heard about wills. Many are familiar with estate planning and the documents that make up a complete plan. They hear terms like wills, trusts,...