It is natural to think you can use your last will and testament to pass anything you own to family members or other heirs after you die. However, there are some kinds of property and financial accounts that should not go in a will. Typically, assets that do not belong...
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Estate Planning
3 types of assets to include in your revocable living trust
A revocable living trust is a useful estate planning tool, allowing you to avoid probate and ensure your assets get distributed as you wish after your death. For your trust to work as intended, you need to transfer ownership of the right assets into it. There are...
Mistakes to avoid when creating an estate plan
Estate planning is an important step in securing part of a financial future for your loved ones. While the process may seem daunting, avoiding common mistakes can make it more manageable. Part of this includes knowing pitfalls to steer clear of when creating your...
Misconceptions about choosing an executor for your estate plan
As reported by Caring.com, only 34% of people in the United States have an estate plan. Planning for the future is important, and a significant part of that planning involves deciding who will manage your assets and wishes after you are gone. This is where the role of...
The overlooked benefits of estate planning
While estate planning plays an important role in financial and family management, many people overlook the importance of the process. Often, people associate estate planning solely with the distribution of assets after one’s death. However, in reality, estate planning...
Protecting Your Business Interests In Your Estate Plan
Creating an estate plan is crucial for any business owner as it ensures the smooth transfer of assets and protects the interests of both the business and its stakeholders. Your business represents years of hard work, dedication and investment. When crafting your...
3 Tips To Avoid A Will Contest
After working hard to build a life, you want to ensure your wealth and property goes where you want them to. While a recent Caring.com survey noted that two out of three adults do not have a will, people who have taken the time to make end-of-life plans want family...
When Should You Consider Updating An Estate Plan?
Few people like to think about death, taxes or estate planning. However, periodically reviewing an estate plan ensures that your wishes remain accurate and current. While reviewing and updating the plan on a regular schedule is wise, certain life events can make...
What You Should Know About Transfer On Death Deeds
Probate is a time-consuming, expensive property, especially if you have significant assets and no solidified estate plan, including a will or trust. However, you may wonder about a transfer on death deed. This type of deed allows you to designate a beneficiary for...
What to know about estate tax in Illinois
When a person dies, their assets get distributed to their heirs through their estate. Illinois has an estate tax that gets charged based on the estate's total assets. The federal government also has an estate tax, but the exemption amount for federal estate tax is...