Estate Planning Basics
Learn the essentials around planning and protecting the future for your family and loved ones.
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Protect Your Prized Pet: Create a Pet Trust
Since 87% of Americans consider their pets to be family members, making a pet trust is only logical. There's no greater sense of security than knowing you've provided for all your family, whether two-legged, four-legged, or feathered. Read more to find out how to create a pet trust.
· 3 min read
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What Happens to Credit Card Debt when You Die?
You've done all the research and made sure your assets will be distributed to your heirs, but what happens to your credit card debt? And what about when you have more debts than assets? Get the skinny on how the courts settle your debt when you die.
· 2 min read
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Using & Managing an Inheritance
For heirs, the loss of a loved one is often devastating, and making decisions about how to use an inheritance can be daunting. It is important to remember, though, that your benefactor included you because he or she wanted to protect and provide for you. Whether it's a huge windfall or a more modest sum that comes your way, here are some ideas for managing inheritance if you're not sure what to do.
· 2 min read
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Estate Taxes: What They Are and How to Plan for Them
Learn the basics about estate taxes and how you can plan to avoid or reduce them in this short primer.
· 3 min read
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Including Your Stepchildren in Your Estate Plan
Here are some of the challenges blended families face in estate planning and what you need to know to make sure your final wishes are respected and followed.
· 3 min read
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Why You Need an Estate Plan Even When You Don't Have Financial Assets
Estate planning isn't just for people with a lot of money or property, anyone can use estate planning to provide a legacy for loved ones.
· 5 min read
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5 Ways to Probate a Will
Depending on where you live and your circumstances, you might have multiple options to probate a will.
· 4 min read
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What Makes a Will Invalid
Because your will is your final act, you want to make sure that it is valid so that your wishes are carried out. Avoid these common pitfalls to ensure your document is ironclad.
· 3 min read
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How to Avoid Challenges to Your Estate Plan After You're Gone
The best laid out estate plans may not hold up if a disgruntled relative decides to challenge them. Find out how to make your estate plan bulletproof.
· 3 min read
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How a Pooled Trust Protects Your Family
If your family member qualifies for Medicaid and SSI, how can they acquire additional income without being disqualified from these government programs? Find out how your family member can own additional assets without being disqualified.
· 4 min read
