Most people don’t have any idea where to start when it comes to their emergency documents.  This often keeps them from going anywhere near their estate planning. This is a big mistake, says a recent article, “3 tasks your family needs to complete to ease any anxiety over unexpected emergencies,” from...

Yes, it is an honor to be asked to be the guardian of someone’s children. However, you’ll want to understand the full responsibilities involved before agreeing to this life-changing role. A recent article from Kiplinger, “3 Key Things to Consider Before Agreeing to Be A Guardian in a Trust,” explains. For parents,...

Sixty-two-year-old Michael Fuchs and 47-year-old Alvina Collardeau-Fuchs, who are in the process of divorcing, lived the “billionaire lifestyle” during their marriage with a string of luxury properties around the world, reports The Digital Journal’s recent article entitled “French wife of Chrysler Building billionaire owner entitled to £37 mn under prenup.” Money was...

A will makes a one-time transfer of assets after death, while trusts allow assets to be transferred during life and after death. Each one has an important role to play in managing assets and protecting loved ones, reports an article “Estate vs. Trust: Do You Really Understand the Difference” from yahoo!. An...

The best planning doesn’t preclude disappointed family members and hangers-on from trying to get what they consider their “fair share” of an estate. There are some steps you can take to avoid this happening to your estate, says a recent article, “Counterattack: Tips for Thwarting a Will Contest,” from Kiplinger. Traditionally, an in...

Guardianship is usually an act of last resort, embarked upon when there is no lesser restrictive means of protecting a person. There are steps to be taken to avoid being placed under guardianship, including signing a durable financial power of attorney and a medical power of attorney to allow someone of your choosing to...

What can you do to help heirs have a smooth transition when settling your estate? A recent article from The Community Voice, “Managing probate when setting up your estate,” provides some recommendations. Joint accounts. Married couples can own property as joint tenancy, which includes a right of survivorship. When one of the...