A Power of Attorney May Not Be What You Think
If you’ve ever considered planning for your future or helped someone plan for theirs, you’ve probably heard the term “power of attorney.” But do you know what it is? The terms “power” and “attorney” carry weight but may not mean what you think. There are many misconceptions about what a power of attorney is and […]
Preventing Family Feuds Over Your Personal Belongings
The passing of a loved one is a heartbreaking event, filled with grief and sorrow. However, the aftermath can become even more painful if disagreements over their personal belongings tear your family apart. These disputes, primarily when centered around meaningful objects, can leave lasting wounds that may never fully heal. But it doesn’t have to […]
What Do Lasagna and Estate Planning Have in Common?
Have you ever heard horror stories about families fighting over Grandma’s jewelry or getting stuck in a never-ending legal battle after someone passes away? Or how long it can take to sell a house tied up in the court process? What about family members being denied their inheritance completely? Unfortunately, these situations happen every day. […]
How Relying On Beneficiary Designations Put Your Family at Risk (And How To Fix It!)
You’ve worked hard to build your assets and secure your family’s future. Like many responsible adults, you’ve named beneficiaries on your retirement accounts, life insurance policies, and maybe even your banking and investment accounts. It feels good to know you’ve put something in place for your loved ones. While beneficiary designations serve a purpose, they’re […]
Would $23,000 Make a Difference to You?
Imagine discovering thousands of dollars that belong to you, only to be told you can’t have it. This frustrating scenario became a reality for a woman named Dale Benerofe, a Georgia resident when she found $23,000 in unclaimed property from her deceased parents. Her tragic story sheds light on a little-known issue that affects millions […]
3 Strategies For Navigating Your Child’s Transition Into Adulthood
When your child turns 18, they’re legally an adult even though they have a lot more growing to do. Just like any other adult, their health and financial information is protected by privacy laws. But unlike any other adult, that’s still your child, and you want to support them in a crisis. Your role as […]
What Probate Is and How To Avoid It — Part 2
Unless you’ve created an estate plan that works to keep your family out of court, when you die (or become incapacitated) many of your assets must go through probate before those assets can be distributed to your heirs. Like most court proceedings, probate can be time-consuming, costly, and open to the public, and because of […]
What Probate Is and How To Avoid It — Part 1
Unless you’ve created a proper estate plan, upon your passing many of your assets must first go through the court process known as probate before those assets can be distributed to your heirs. During probate, the court supervises a number of different legal actions, all of which are aimed at finalizing your affairs and settling […]
Avoid These 4 Common Estate Planning Pitfalls
If you’re a parent, you’ve always strived to provide the best for your family, ensuring their well-being and securing their future. However, even the most well-intentioned plans can falter if you overlook the complexities of estate planning. Let’s explore some common pitfalls that parents often encounter, then offer practical strategies to navigate them successfully. Heads […]
4 Reasons Why a Cheap Estate Plan Won’t Work For Your Family
Most people, regardless of stature and wealth, likely do not know how to evaluate estimates when shopping for an estate plan. Shopping for an estate plan based on getting the lowest cost plan possible is often the fastest path to leaving your family with an empty set of documents (maybe in a beautiful binder, but […]