A testamentary trust is created through the decedent's will and comes into existence at death. Assets must still pass through probate before the trust is funded and money is given to beneficiaries.
BLOG
Estate Planning
4 Things Your Spouse Should Know Before You Die
Married couples share many aspects of their lives with each other. But when it comes to death, even the closest couples can become tight-lipped. We get it, it's uncomfortable to talk about. But it's important to address these topics to avoid further heartbreak down the road. Seemingly mundane details, such as the locations of passwords and other important documents, should also be addressed.
Estate Planning for Business Executives
Are you a business executive focused on career success? It's time to strategize and safeguard your family's financial future too! Learn about trusts and legacy.
Why Familes Should Avoid Intestacy
While the reasons for not having a will vary, the result is the same for everyone: they don't get to choose who receives their property when they die. Instead, their assets are distributed according to the laws of their state. This process is called intestate succession.
Using Trusts to Hedge Against Estate and Gift Taxes
Gift and estate tax consequences can threaten this goal of sharing wealth. By crafting a comprehensive estate plan, we can address these concerns and protect high-net-worth clients from excess taxes. The following three types of trusts may assist high-net-worth clients in sharing their wealth in a tax-advantageous way.
Transfer on Death vs. Payable on Death
Many families choose to include a payable-on-death (POD) or transfer-on-death (TOD) designation in their estate plan. Both these designations allow the assets in the account to pass to a chosen beneficiary when the original owner dies. POD and TOD accounts have many benefits.
What Happens to Your Virtual Wallets at Your Death?
In modern estate planning, digital accounts such as PayPal, Venmo, and Apple Pay must be considered every bit as much as bank and retirement accounts. Digital accounts can be conveniently closed upon the account holder’s death, provided they plan ahead.
3 Estate Planning Concerns for Self-Employed Individuals
While you may have more freedom than the average worker, a lot of responsibilities lie on your shoulders. Working together with an experienced estate attorney, we can craft a comprehensive legacy plan that will help you meet your financial goals.
What NOT to Include in Your Estate Plan
Although your documents should be thorough and provide all necessary information, some things should NEVER be mentioned in your documents, for security purposes. Here are three things you SHOULDN'T include in your estate planning documents.
How to Choose the Right Trustee
Trustee(s) are in charge of handling all aspects of your trust. So, it is important to select your trustee(s) carefully. By better understanding the responsibilities of a trustee, you'll be better equipped to select the right person for the job.