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If you are considering an estate plan but don’t know where to begin the first step is looking at the basics. While an estate plan can get complex depending on the circumstances it might be best to take a look at the basics as Yahoo Finance recently discussed in “Understanding the basics of estate planning.” […]

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A lifetime discretionary trust may be a good option to consider rather than handing over a lump sum. A lifetime discretionary trust may be an option to consider if leaving an inheritance without restrictions is not a good idea because in these trusts, the trustee does not have to distribute assets in any specific way […]

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An estate planning attorney could be helpful before signing a divorce decree. Divorce agreements often include child support and life insurance requirements but as the National Law Review points out in “How Divorce Can Impact Your Estate Plan,” these life insurance provisions in divorce agreements are often flawed from an estate planning perspective. Divorce attorneys […]

extended family

Some simple planning can help avoid the surging of emotions as families deal with an estate. Rising emotions can often cause problems when administrating an estate plan but some practical advice is offered by St. Louis Public Radio in “Four things to know about estate planning that could help you avoid fights with your family.” […]

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U.S. residents are allowed to have a trust created in any state they choose. You can have a trust created in any state because you are not limited to the state in which you reside. Which state is the best for your trust depends on opinion as Trust Advisor reveals in “The Nevada Advantage: Why […]

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People who have pets often make informal plans to protect their pets after the owner dies but informal plans are not official plans. Pet owners often make informal plans with siblings or best friends about the fate of their pets after the owner passes away but these arrangements have no legal standing because, while some […]

Senior couple

Following a few simple rules can make the choice of naming a trustee an easier decision. People sometimes delay naming a trustee because it is a difficult decision with wide-spread ramifications. Sticking close to some guidelines can get the job done and create peace of mind. Recently, the Daily Press offered some advice in “Trustees […]

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Estate planning attorneys sometimes turn to a no contest clause to possibly avoid estate plan challenges. An inheritance does not always make a recipient happy and it is especially likely to cause dissatisfaction if a sibling believes they have not been treated fairly. Traditionally, there was not much that could be done to prevent these […]

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Getting prepared for meeting with an estate planning attorney can improve efficiency. Meeting with an estate planning attorney for the first time can be much more productive if you have prepared in advance. Recently, the Wills, Trusts & Estates Prof Blog offered some tips about how you can prepare and make that first meeting with […]

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Alaska has long had an advantage as a preferred state for trusts but the decline of prices in the oil industry may weaken its position. One of the most popular trust haven states in the U.S has been Alaska as attorneys sought more friendly laws and taxes for their clients. Taxes were not the focus […]