Estate Planning Basics
Learn the essentials around planning and protecting the future for your family and loved ones.
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Protect Your Prized Pet: Create a Pet Trust
Since 87% of Americans consider their pets to be family members, making a pet trust is only logical. There's no greater sense of security than knowing you've provided for all your family, whether two-legged, four-legged, or feathered. Read more to find out how to create a pet trust.
· 3 min read
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Using & Managing an Inheritance
For heirs, the loss of a loved one is often devastating, and making decisions about how to use an inheritance can be daunting. It is important to remember, though, that your benefactor included you because he or she wanted to protect and provide for you. Whether it's a huge windfall or a more modest sum that comes your way, here are some ideas for managing inheritance if you're not sure what to do.
· 2 min read
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Estate Taxes: What They Are and How to Plan for Them
Learn the basics about estate taxes and how you can plan to avoid or reduce them in this short primer.
· 3 min read
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Including Your Stepchildren in Your Estate Plan
Here are some of the challenges blended families face in estate planning and what you need to know to make sure your final wishes are respected and followed.
· 3 min read
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Why You Need an Estate Plan Even When You Don't Have Financial Assets
Estate planning isn't just for people with a lot of money or property, anyone can use estate planning to provide a legacy for loved ones.
· 5 min read
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5 Ways to Probate a Will
Depending on where you live and your circumstances, you might have multiple options to probate a will.
· 4 min read
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How to Avoid Challenges to Your Estate Plan After You're Gone
The best laid out estate plans may not hold up if a disgruntled relative decides to challenge them. Find out how to make your estate plan bulletproof.
· 3 min read
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How a Pooled Trust Protects Your Family
If your family member qualifies for Medicaid and SSI, how can they acquire additional income without being disqualified from these government programs? Find out how your family member can own additional assets without being disqualified.
· 4 min read
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Estate Planning for Your Special Needs Child
Special needs children require special estate planning, especially if they receive needs-based government assistance. Learn about your options and what most professionals recommend.
· 3 min read
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Creating an Irrevocable Burial Trust
When creating an estate plan, be sure to consider the possibility of setting up an irrevocable burial trust. This fairly simple legal document may enable you to both pay funeral costs and secure Medicaid benefits for long-term care.
· 4 min read
