Category Archives for Wills
In Defense of Will Based Planning
Spring is here – or almost so – and, with the season comes multiple invitations to attend programs espousing the use of trusts, living or otherwise, as a means to achieve estate planning objectives. There is nothing wrong with this, of course, and trusts are a valid method to attain certain goals However, this process […]
Continue readingShould You Include Additional Instructions With Your Will
I have frequently written about letters of intent as a means for parents of disabled children to express their wishes regarding care for their child if the parent should die. There are other reasons why, when drafting your Will and related documents you might consider a Letter of Instruction in another context. Wills typically do […]
Continue readingWhy Beneficiary Designations Should Be Saved With Your Will
Most parties know the importance of saving original Wills. They are executed with great formality, notarized, and regarded as the final work in distribution of property. What many, if not most, people do not realize is the at least equally important significance of saving documents naming beneficiary designations for accounts. Life insurance, annuities, retirement accounts […]
Continue readingReasons Why a Will Is Not Enough For An Estate Plan
With the beginning of the new year many readers may be looking to redraft their Wills executed years ago or starting out to review their estate plans generally. Having attended several programs over time and drafted many estate plans I know the emphasis has almost always been on explaining Wills. Today it is most often […]
Continue readingTen Mistakes in Drafting Your Will
So it is the New Year and you have resolved to rewrite your Will, or at least take it out, review it and decide whether it still fits your current circumstances. While you do this you might want to consider some pitfalls that Wills might have, many not of your making. You would not want […]
Continue readingWhat Happens Without a Will
Consumers are constantly told by financial planners and others that they must have a Will. So, it would not be unusual to ask “what happens if I do not have a Will.” The answer is, as with so many planning questions, “it depends.” If you have no assets titled in your own name and everything, […]
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