Common Problems with Online Estate Plans: Documents May Not Comply with State Law Estate planning documents are governed by state law, and each state has its own requirements regarding execution. Something as simple as having the wrong number of witnesses, using an ineligible witness, or failing to follow your state’s signing requirements can create problems…
It has never been easier to create an estate plan. With a quick internet search, you’ll find countless websites promising that, after answering a handful of questions, you’ll have everything you need, including a will, power of attorney, health care proxy, and even a trust, in a matter of minutes. The process is appealing. It’s…
There’s no denying that owning a home today comes with its own unique set of rules. Between property taxes, competitive real estate markets, and sheer value your house isn’t just a place to live, it’s very likely your largest financial asset. Naturally, you want to make sure that asset, your home, is protected and that…
Older adults are increasingly targeted by sophisticated financial scams. Recent FBI data shows seniors suffered more than $7.7 billion in reported fraud losses, the highest total of any age group. Protecting a family legacy involves more than making sure you have estate planning documents in place. It also means reducing present day risk before fraud…
Most people think of estate planning as something that matters only after death. In reality, some of the most important protections are in place while you are still living, especially if illness or injury leaves you unable to manage your own affairs. A trust is a valuable part of that plan. By naming a successor…
If you have minor children, one of your biggest concerns is likely to make sure they are cared for if the unthinkable happens. You may have already taken an important step by naming a guardian in your Will, but that is only part of the plan. A Will can include trust provisions, but it still…
Has a legal claim been asserted against you? Do you think you have a claim against someone else and want to know whether to pursue it? Think twice before “chatting” with an AI chatbot about your legal matters. A recent court ruling, United States v. Bradley Heppner, from the U.S. District Court for the Southern…
Most estate planning focuses on the big picture: who gets the house, how the trust is structured and who manages the accounts. But when an emergency or a death happens, it’s the small, missing details that cause the most stress for adult children. Where are your original estate planning documents? Who is your lawyer/accountant/insurance agent/financial…
