The wishes you have expressed in a medical directive don’t do any good if no one knows about them. The system of medical records used in the U.S. does not make it easy for doctors to know that you have a medical directive and that you have expressed your wishes ahead of time, according to […]

Some estate battles are predictable and quite costly to both finances and family. If the main instrument used to distribute an estate is a will that has to go through probate, the legal issues can often lead to huge battles that could be avoided by using a trust, according to the Times Herald-Record in “Trusts […]

A trust is a good estate planning tool. However, it is not necessarily for everyone and every plan. Despite extensive advertising by non-attorneys selling trusts, the real fact is that not everyone needs one. If they do need a trust, there are many important decisions that need to be made to avoid a disaster. There […]

There are many false impressions out there about creating an estate plan. However, it actually does not have to be challenging. Estate planning does not have to be difficult to accomplish, according to The New York Times in “What It Was Like To Finally Write My Will.” The author of the piece discovered that creating his […]

The traditional methods for burial of remains are still in place. However, there are also “green” options. Different cultures are beginning to rethink the process of funerals for people. Some are turning to an “environmentally friendly” way, according to The New York Times in “Thinking About Having a ‘Green’ Funeral? Here’s What to Know.” A […]

Creating a plan for distribution of assets is practical. If you do not have children, it isn’t possible to follow the standard practice of caring for your spouse and your offspring when considering an estate plan. Exploring the options when childless requires a bit more thinking, according to The New York Times in “If You […]

Avoiding the thought of death is relatively standard in humans. However, it may not be the right course. We do not generally dwell on the thought of death, we avoid making estate plans and we are often not prepared for the reality of death when it happens, according to The New York Times in “New […]

A living trust can become a problem, if it isn’t created with good advice. A living trust needs careful preparation or an estate may face probate, according to the Napa Valley Register in “Avoid this living trust problem.” The problem can result from people buying living trusts through non-attorney trust mills, online legal form services or […]

Many of the problems that arise in managing an estate can be avoided by careful planning. Some of the friction within the family and difficulties in dealing with an estate can go more smoothly, if you know a few things about estate planning and your goals, according to The Register-Guard in “Final farewell needs to […]

A trust can solve a lot of problems, if you are the primary provider and pass away. A good way to make sure your family gets the money they need to meet bills and expenses after you are gone, is to avoid probate, according to The New York Times in “Life After Your Death? Why […]