The concept of “funding” a Trust involves transferring assets to the ownership of the trust. These assets include real property, financial accounts and other types of property. Fully funding a Trust ensures that you and your beneficiaries receive the most…
Probate is the court process of administering an estate after the death of an individual. An estate is deemed everything a person owns, but in this context, it refers to either individually owned or trust owned property. The Probate process…
It is beyond debate that estate planning is a time and money investment that provides inestimable financial benefits for all families regardless of whether there are children or an array of financial assets. Creation of an estate plan is the…
Throughout a marriage, couples acquire assets, that later are often deemed “marital property”. In the course of a divorce proceeding, if the spouses cannot agree, the court will decide the manner and amount of the division of assets (and debts).…
Starting a business is an energizing experience for those with the entrepreneurial spirit that often involves developing a partnership with various individuals – an accountant and a commercial banker for example. Often, business owners may overlook the benefits of legal…
You have likely created an estate plan for yourself, but have you ever thought about creating health care directives for your college bound child? The story below outlines a scenario where these documents are beneficial and necessary. Ashley’s Story Ashley…
Do you own a home? Have financial assets like stocks or savings accounts? Are concerned about what will happen to your minor children should you pass? Want to ensure your property is distributed in a certain order? If you answered…
Estate planning trusts can be one of the more valuable options available to administer an individual’s financial affairs during a disability or at their death. Clients have often found that a living trust is superior to other methods. Most individuals…
Do you have an IRA or 401(k)? You may want to consider a retirement trust as a part of your estate plan. A majority of Americans have some type of retirement account. A retirement trust allows you to manage those…
Pets have always been considered property in the eyes of the law. A new state law, effective January 1, 2018, now allows a judge to determine custody for companion animals within the context of a divorce proceeding. The law, which…