- Estate Planning Tips for Those With a Disability
Estate planning for individuals with a disability often involves setting up a special needs trust, appointing a legal guardian and choosing a healthcare proxy. These steps help manage assets while protecting eligibility for government benefits like Medicaid or Supplemental Security Income (SSI). It also includes creating clear instructions for medical and financial decisions through powers… read more…
- How to Create an Advance Healthcare Directive in Missouri
An advance healthcare directive provides clear instructions for family members, reducing confusion and stress when making medical decisions on your behalf in the event that you are unable to make them. This legal document can outline your preferences for medical treatment and designate a healthcare proxy to make those decisions. A financial advisor can work… read more…
- Completing a Small Estate Affidavit in Wisconsin
After a loved one passes, probate can be long and costly. But, beneficiaries could avoid this process with a small estate affidavit if the estate meets certain requirements. In Wisconsin, heirs can claim the property of the deceased without formal probate when the value of the estate is less than $50,000. No matter the size… read more…
- 9 Ways to Speed Up the Probate Process
Probate can be a lengthy and complex process, leaving executors eager to find ways to expedite it. Familiarizing yourself with the legal procedures and documentation required to settle an estate efficiently is key to understanding how to speed up probate. A financial advisor can work with you to manage and distribute your estate. Here’s a… read more…
- Do All Wills Go Through Probate?
Probate is the legal process that happens after someone dies. It distributes the assets and pays any debts or taxes. If there’s a will, you might wonder if probate is needed. Sometimes, probate is required to validate the will and settle the estate, while in other cases, it can be avoided. You should understand your… read more…
- Who Pays Probate Attorney Fees in Texas?
Probate is the legal process of validating a will and distributing assets, which often requires legal aid. Many families worry about covering these attorney costs. But, in Texas, the estate typically covers probate attorney fees. If you’re concerned about probate for your beneficiaries, a financial advisor can work with you to create an estate plan.… read more…
- How Long Does Probate Take in Colorado?
Probate can take six months to a year in Colorado, depending on the complexity of the estate. The size of the estate, the clarity of the will, and whether it’s a formal or informal probate case can all influence how long the process will last. While some estates may be settled relatively quickly, others may… read more…
- How Long Does Probate Take in Washington?
In Washington state, the probate process typically takes about six to nine months, but the length depends on the complexity of the estate and whether there are disputes among heirs. If you’re currently involved in or are preparing for probate, you’re probably wondering how long probate will take in Washington and what steps are involved.… read more…
- How Long Does Probate Take in Michigan
Probate is the legal process for settling estates. It involves the validation of wills, inventory of assets, payment of debts and distribution of the remaining estate to beneficiaries. In Michigan, the duration of probate can vary significantly based on several factors, including the size and complexity of the estate, the presence of a valid will… read more…
- Disinheriting Your Family in California
Disinheriting a family member is a step you might feel compelled to take for a number of personal or financial reasons. You can disinherit your spouse in California, or any family member, but it requires careful consideration of California’s community property laws which make it more complex to disinherit someone when compared with other states.… read more…
- How Long Does Probate Take in Texas?
The probate process in Texas will rely heavily on what is involved in the estate, the number of heirs and how much planning was done before the decedent’s passing. Factors such as the size of the estate, the clarity of the will and whether creditors need to be paid can all influence the timeline. Texas… read more…
- How Long Probate Can Take in Ohio
When a loved one passes, there may be questions surrounding the will and that person’s estate. This can lead to probate, which can be time-consuming and costly. If you live in Ohio, the process can take anywhere from a couple months to over a year. There are many factors at play, including the complexity of… read more…
- How a Disinheritance Clause in a Will Works
Many times, a will focuses on the parties receiving property. But, it can also exclude individuals, as well. A disinheritance clause is a provision within a will that explicitly states that a specific individual will not receive any portion of the estate upon the testator’s death. This clause is used when someone wishes to prevent… read more…
- 6 Estate Planning Tips for LGBTQ Individuals
Estate planning is important for everyone, but it involves additional considerations for LGBTQ individuals due to specific legal and family circumstances. Whether you are in a same-sex marriage or domestic partnership, estate planning can help you with property ownership, medical decision-making and the distribution of assets. LGBTQ individuals should be aware of potential challenges and… read more…
- How to Create an Advanced Healthcare Directive in Pennsylvania
Creating an advance healthcare directive in Pennsylvania will let you communicate your medical wishes in the event that you are unable to do so. This legal document can specify your treatment preferences and name a healthcare agent to make decisions for you. Pennsylvania has specific requirements for completing an advance directive. Here’s how to create… read more…
- How Long Does Probate Take in New York?
After a loved one passes away in New York state, your attention will eventually turn to settling their estate. At that point, you may wonder how long does probate take in New York? The bottom line is that it all depends. Probate is the legal process of settling a deceased person’s estate, including the distribution… read more…
- How Much Does Probate Cost in Georgia?
The cost of probate in Georgia varies based on factors like the estate’s size, legal fees and the type of probate process used. Common expenses include court fees, executor fees and attorney costs. While smaller estates may qualify for a simplified probate process that can help reduce costs, larger estates often face higher expenses. For… read more…
- How Much Does Probate Cost in Connecticut?
Probate costs in Connecticut can vary depending on the size and complexity of the estate, as well as the county in which probate is filed. Connecticut’s statutory probate fee can range from as little as $25 to as much as $40,000, depending on the estate’s value. Additionally, attorney fees, executor fees and other administrative costs… read more…
- When Does a Trust Avoid the Probate Process?
One of the most effective tools in the estate planning process is a trust, which can offer significant advantages—including the ability to bypass the often lengthy and costly probate process. Trusts, by design, allow for the direct transfer of assets to beneficiaries without the need for court intervention, provided they are properly funded and managed.… read more…
- Can My Advance Healthcare Directive Work in Other States?
An advance directive for the state where you live may not be effective in another state. Some states have provisions that respect out-of-state directives as long as they conform to the requirements of the originating state. Others only honor directives complying with their own requirements. Checking and following specific requirements for states where you travel… read more…
- How to Create an Advance Healthcare Directive in Washington
An advance healthcare directive includes both a living will, which outlines your preferred medical treatments and a healthcare proxy, who is appointed to make decisions for you if you become incapacitated. The process to create one in Washington involves specific state documents and a notary. Additionally, medical costs should be considered in estate planning and… read more…
- Asset Checklist for Your Estate Plan
Creating an asset checklist for estate planning can help streamline the process of organizing your financial affairs and ensuring that your wishes are carried out effectively. This checklist typically includes a comprehensive inventory of all assets, such as real estate, bank accounts, investments and more. By compiling this information, individuals can provide a clear and… read more…
- Completing a Small Estate Affidavit in Nevada
A small estate affidavit in Nevada can simplify the transfer of assets for estates valued under a certain amount. This legal document allows heirs to bypass the lengthy probate process, making it a practical option for smaller estates. Once completed, the affidavit can be presented to financial institutions or other entities holding the deceased’s assets.… read more…
- How to Create an Advance Healthcare Directive in Maryland
Creating an advance healthcare directive (AHD) in Maryland could help honor your medical wishes if you become unable to communicate them yourself. This legal document allows you to outline your preferences for medical treatment and appoint a healthcare agent to make decisions on your behalf. To start, you must be at least 18 years old… read more…
- Full Guardianship vs. Limited Guardianship
When someone is unable to make important decisions for themselves, whether due to age, disability, or incapacity, guardianship may be necessary. Deciding between full guardianship and limited guardianship depends on the specific needs of the person who is requiring assistance. Full guardianship grants more comprehensive control over a person’s life, while limited guardianship offers only… read more…