- How a Financial Power of Attorney Works in Washington
A financial power of attorney is a legal document that allows you to appoint a trusted individual to manage your financial affairs on your behalf. This can be especially important in situations where you are unable to make decisions for yourself due to illness, injury or other circumstances. By granting someone financial power of attorney,… read more…
- Types of Powers of Attorney in Louisiana
A power of attorney (POA) is a legal document that authorizes one person, known as the agent or attorney-in-fact, to make decisions on behalf of another, the principal. The scope of this authority can vary, covering everything from financial management to medical decisions, depending on the type of POA established. Each type of POA serves… read more…
- Types of Powers of Attorney in Arkansas
In Arkansas, there are many powers of attorney, each designed for specific purposes, such as managing financial matters, making healthcare decisions or handling real estate transactions. By understanding the different types and legal requirements for creating a valid document, individuals can ensure that their wishes are carried out and their interests are protected, even in… read more…
- Estate Planning Tips for Unmarried Couples
Without the automatic legal protections afforded by marriage, unmarried partners must be proactive in managing their assets to ensure that their wishes are honored and their financial futures secured. From establishing wills and trusts to understanding state-specific estate laws it’s important to consider essential strategies that unmarried couples can employ to safeguard their assets and… read more…
- Types of Power of Attorney in Alabama
In Alabama, the specifics of establishing and executing a POA are governed by state laws, which underscore the importance of adhering to legal stipulations to ensure the document’s validity and effectiveness. Understanding the different types of POAs — such as durable, non-durable, medical and springing — and their respective applications can significantly influence decision-making processes… read more…
- Types of Power of Attorney in Kentucky
A power of attorney (POA) is a legal document that grants a designated person the authority to act on behalf of another person in specified legal and financial matters. The purpose of a POA is to allow the agent to make decisions and take actions on the principal’s behalf if the principal becomes incapacitated or… read more…
- How to Avoid Probate in Oregon
Probate is a legal process that administers the estate of a deceased person. It can be complex, time-consuming and costly for many families in Oregon. On average, probate can take between six and 12 months to complete, and can cost anywhere from 2% to 7% of the estate’s total value. Here’s an overview of how… read more…
- How to Avoid the Estate Tax in Minnesota
The estate tax, sometimes called the “death tax,” applies to the total value of a deceased person’s assets before distribution to their heirs. In Minnesota, estates exceeding $3 million are subject to this tax, with rates between 13% and 16%. By comparison, the federal exemption is significantly higher at $13.99 million. This gap makes proactive… read more…
- How a Power of Attorney Works in Colorado
Power of attorney is a legal tool that allows individuals to appoint trusted agents to manage their affairs, make decisions, and sign documents on their behalf. In Colorado, there are several types of powers of attorney available, each designed to serve specific purposes and handle different situations, such as managing financial matters, healthcare decisions, or… read more…
- Can a Power of Attorney Sell Property Before Death?
A power of attorney (POA) is a legal tool that allows an agent to make decisions on behalf of the principal. POA is used in situations where the principal is unable to manage their affairs due to illness, incapacity, absence, or other similar scenarios. In the principal’s stead, the agent is given authority to manage… read more…
- Can a Power of Attorney Close a Bank Account?
Power of attorney (POA) is a legal tool that allows an individual, the principal, to appoint someone they trust to manage their affairs when they are unable to do so themselves. The person appointed is known as the agent. It’s often used in instances where the principal is facing illness or injury, and wants the… read more…
- How to Avoid Illinois Estate Tax
Illinois residents with estates valued at more than $4 million need to be aware of the potential tax implications and take proactive steps to minimize their tax liability. If you live in the Prairie State, here’s what you need to know about the estate tax and how to avoid it. A financial advisor can also… read more…
- How to Avoid Probate in New Jersey
The probate process involves validating wills, administering estates and ensuring the rightful distribution of assets, all under the watchful eye of the Surrogate’s Court. Whether you are drafting a will or handling an estate without one, understanding when probate is necessary and the steps involved will help you create an efficient estate plan. There are… read more…
- States That Won’t Tax Your Estate When You Die
The majority of states do not levy taxes on estates. But, if you live in a state that does, also, you could face a tax if your estate is valued at $5 million or less. Generally, estate taxes are a sizable concern for wealthier people. Luckily, a financial advisor can help you create an effective… read more…
- Average Cost of a Will vs. Living Trust
Wills and living trusts are fundamental estate planning tools that dictate what happens to your assets when you’re gone. Both documents serve to distribute your assets, but they operate in distinct ways that can significantly impact your estate planning strategy. A will is a straightforward document that outlines how you wish your assets to be… read more…
- 4 Types of Assets That Are Exempt From Probate in Florida
The probate process in Florida oversees how a person’s assets are distributed after death, a procedure that can often be lengthy, expensive and emotionally draining for loved ones. Fortunately, not all assets must go through probate. State law allows certain types of property to transfer directly to beneficiaries, helping families avoid delays and preserve more… read more…
- How a Transfer on Death Deed Works in Florida
A transfer on death deed (TODD) is often used in certain states as a way to pass real estate directly to a beneficiary without going through probate. By naming a recipient in advance, property owners can arrange for ownership to transfer automatically at death, without court involvement. The property remains under the owner’s control during… read more…
- How a Life Estate Deed Works in Florida
A life estate deed in Florida allows property owners to transfer real estate to a beneficiary while retaining the right to live in the home for the rest of their life. This arrangement avoids probate by automatically passing ownership to the designated heir—known as the remainderman—upon the original owner’s death. Florida recognizes both traditional life… read more…
- How to Get a Financial Power of Attorney in Pennsylvania
In Pennsylvania, a power of attorney (POA) is a legal document that can empower a designated agent to act on your behalf should such situations arise. With various types of POAs available, tailored to address specific needs from healthcare to financial management, understanding the legal requirements of these documents is essential for effective personal planning.… read more…
- How to Avoid Probate in Oklahoma
The probate process in Oklahoma involves a series of court-supervised steps to ensure the decedent’s assets are distributed fairly, whether in accordance with a will or state intestacy laws. From filing a petition to distributing remaining assets, each stage is plays an important part in honoring the final wishes of the deceased. Yet, the time,… read more…
- What Is a NING Trust?
The Nevada incomplete gift non-grantor (NING) trust is a tool designed to provide affluent individuals with a legal avenue for asset protection and tax optimization. These specialized trusts leverage Nevada’s advantageous tax codes and trust-friendly laws, enabling residents of high-income-tax states to shield certain assets from those taxes. If you need help protecting your assets… read more…
- 4 Types of Power of Attorney Available in Pennsylvania
Power of attorney (POA) offer a versatile legal framework for ensuring that your decisions and assets are handled according to your wishes, even when you’re not able to oversee them directly. It’s vitally important to understand the different types of POAs available if you’re in need of this type of authority. In the state of… read more…
- 5 Most Important Benefits of Estate Planning
For adults of any age, it’s important to make an estate plan. This can be no more complicated than a simple will, but it matters. It’s even more essential when you have spouses, children and other people who depend on you. While there are many important financial reasons to have a good estate plan, from… read more…
- How Long Does Probate Take in Florida?
On average, it takes four to 12 months to probate a standard estate in Florida. This is normal for most jurisdictions. A standard estate must be open for at least three months. This is the minimum amount of time required for creditor notification. As a result, with additional processing time and delays, a standard estate typically… read more…
- Florida Probate Laws You Need to Know
Probate in Florida refers to the legal process through which a deceased person’s assets are distributed and their debts are settled under the supervision of the court. Understanding this process is key whether you’re completing your own estate planning or trying to understand how you’ll receive assets as a beneficiary. Many may want to avoid… read more…