To say the last year and a half has been a challenge would be the understatement of the century. So many have stepped up to help others and to give a sense of normalcy in such an abnormal time. One group of people especially come to mind: teachers.
Children...
Many types of property and investments pass outside of probate and allow you to designate who will receive them after your death. It is important that these designations are kept up to date and are consistent with the rest of your estate plan.
When you open up an investment...
An estate plan goes much further than a will. Not only does it deal with the distribution of assets and legacy wishes, but it may help you and your heirs pay substantially less in taxes, fees, and court costs. You should always consult an estate planning attorney to discuss your unique situation...
The key to a successful wealth transfer is maintaining clear communication. Estate planning attorneys can help when you wish to involve heirs in the planning stages in order to make the wealth transition easier.
Open Communication
Lack of trust or communication has squandered 60% of family fortunes, which...
Estate Planning is like a road map. And while the map may be straight forward for some, for others there may be stops along the way. One thing is for sure is that it all leads to the same destination: peace of mind!
A lot of people put off...
Advance directives might sound like something you only need later in life. But the truth is, they’re an important part of any adult’s planning. These documents give you control over your medical decisions, even when you’re not in a position to speak for yourself. They also take pressure off your loved ones,...
Most of the clients of Surprenant & Beneski are happy to have their estate planning behind them so they can relax, knowing their loved ones and their assets are protected. This is why they are grateful to have our estate planning team to guide them as they make vital decisions. Without that...
Congratulations, you have taken the first important step and have made an appointment with a qualified estate planning attorney to create an estate plan or review an existing plan. You’re looking forward to the reassurance that comes from knowing that your retirement, your legacy, and your family’s future are secure. Now...
While there is no hard and fast rule about whether your children should always receive equal shares of their parents’ assets, it is usual for parents to divvy up their property equally among their offspring in order to avoid playing favorites. Recent surveys have shown, however, that many parents are rethinking this...
Middle-aged people musing on their futures often indulge in dreams of buying a second home that will serve as a vacation home now and a home base during retirement. But how realistic is purchasing a second home? Many financial experts question the assumptions that underlie the value of investing in more property...
