Do I Need Both a Will and a Trust

Do I Need Both a Will and a Trust

If you have a have a trust, do you also need a will?  Even if you transfer the majority of your property through a living trust or other estate planning tool, you should also have a will.  Without a will, any property that isn’t passed along to beneficiaries by those...
What is a Will and Do I Need One

What is a Will and Do I Need One

Everyone over the age of 18 (or 21 depending on where you live) should have a will.  Why?  A will is the most important estate planning document there is, and, yes, everyone has an estate! What is a Will? A will tells others where you want your property to go after...
What is the Difference between a Will and a Trust

What is the Difference between a Will and a Trust

At some point, you have more than likely heard the terms will and trust, especially if you are looking at doing some estate planning.  Often, they seemed to be used interchangeably.  However, they do not refer to the same thing at all. Here are some key points to help...
What is a Power of Attorney

What is a Power of Attorney

A power of attorney is a legal document in which you give a trusted individual (or individuals) the authority to manage your affairs if you are not able to look after matters on your own.  It is a document that allows you to appoint another individual to manage your...
How to Select an Executor for Your Will or a Trustee for Your Trust

How to Select an Executor for Your Will or a Trustee for Your Trust

When you write up your will you need to choose individuals for a few positions: executor, guardian (if you have minor children), and trustee (if you have a revocable or irrevocable trust). Your executor is responsible for making sure that your assets are protected and...
What Happens When There is no Will or Trust in Place

What Happens When There is no Will or Trust in Place

If you die without having created and signed a will, it means that you have died ‘intestate.’  If this happens, the intestacy laws of the state where you currently reside dictate the way in which your property is divided after you pass away.  This includes...
What is Probate?

What is Probate?

Probate is the court process through which a will is proved valid or invalid.  It is the legal process for administering the estate of the deceased. Steps Authenticating the Last Will and Testament Most states require that a will be filed with the probate court as...