If a beneficiary dies before you do, who receives that person’s inheritance? The answer depends on whether your will or trust uses “per stirpes” or...
Estate Planning
All Estate Planning Articles
How Much Does an Estate Have to Be Worth to Go to Probate? Understanding Thresholds, Rules, and Exceptions
“Everybody hates probate,” says Ellen Cookman, JD, founder of the estate-planning firm Cookman Law—even most lawyers who collect fees from it. It’s easy to understand...
How to Make a Will: A Clear, Step-by-Step Guide to Protecting Your Wishes and Loved Ones
It’s no fun to think about making your will. Nevertheless, says estate-planning attorney Martin Shenkman, “A will is a critical document that probably everyone 18...
What Is the Next of Kin Order?
In the field of estate planning, clients often have questions about “next of kin”—what is next of kin?…what is next of kin order?…who has more...
Estate Planning for Blended Families
The legendary singer Tony Bennett left a multimillion-dollar estate to his complicated family…and that led to inheritance turmoil after his death. Bennett had four children...
Estate Planning for Second Marriages
Second marriages inevitably create estate-planning complications, warns attorney Martin Shenkman, CPA. The need to update beneficiary designations, powers of attorney and other documents to name...
Family Estate Planning: Best Ways to Leave Property to Your Heirs
Older Americans have a total of more than $17 trillion of equity in their houses. Transferring that residential real estate to your heirs upon your...
Irrevocable Trusts—Do You Need One?
When most people think about trusts, they’re usually thinking about simple revocable living trusts—the kind that let you control and retain both legal and beneficial...
What Does the Executor of a Will Do?
Has a loved one or close friend asked you to be the executor (also known as personal representative in some states) of his/her will? You...
Multigenerational Estate Planning
Estate plans are traditionally created by members of a single generation. Mom and Dad hire an attorney to draw up their estate plan, and their...
Surprising Mistakes You Could Be Making In Your Will
Most people understand the importance of writing a will. If you die without one, your state’s “intestacy” laws determine who inherits your assets and in...
Protect Your Estate From Your Son- or Daughter-in-Law
Many older Americans have a secret when it comes to estate planning—they intend to leave their life’s savings to their children…just as long as their...
