Crafting your estate plan can take years at a time. Reviewing it is not always an easy task, either. This puts some people off, despite the importance of somewhat regular reviews. Fortunately, there are ways you can organize your estate plan review to make it easier...
An advance directive provides reassurance that you will receive the kind of health care treatment you want even if you become incapacitated. Having a plan in place can also provide your loved ones with direction to know how to respond to your medical needs during a...
When someone designates you as the executor of his or her will, you become the personal representative, i.e., estate administrator, of his or her probate estate when he or she dies. As such, you will need to perform various duties in order to open, manage and...
While tending to estate planning matters, you learn about advance directives. Did you know that different advance directives exist? The American Cancer Society breaks down different advance directives. Get insight into covering all bases in your estate. Living will...
An heir who might feel left out or cheated of an anticipated inheritance may attempt to contest a will during probate. If the individual challenging the will believes the testator made an error or coercion took place, it may result in a claim against the deceased's...
When your child has special needs, you may need to take steps during estate planning to help ensure your child has everything he or she needs to get by in your absence. Many individuals living with disabilities use certain forms of government help, such as Medicaid or...
Composing an advance directive like a living will establishes how you want your doctors to treat you in certain circumstances. If you are in weak health or have a terminal disease, you might not want doctors or paramedics to resuscitate you if your lungs or heart stop...
The majority of Americans are familiar with the concept of a will. However, many estate plans benefit from living trusts, as well. Understanding the potential role a living trust can play in your estate planning process can help you make the best decisions for your...
A healthcare proxy is someone who makes medical decisions for you. You can set up a proxy who will use his or her power if you are unable to make your own medical decisions. Anytime you give someone else the power to make decisions for you, you have to choose that...
California is one of the many states that has neither an estate tax nor an inheritance tax. That means that when you die, your estate will not pay state taxes on your assets. Your beneficiaries will not owe state taxes on inherited assets. However, the federal estate...
