Estate Planning Articles and Information

Estate planning is an important part of everyone’s lives, whether you are single, married, divorced, or if you have children. Delegating your assets, listing your medical preferences, and choosing personal representatives are steps that every individual should take in order to avoid complications down the road.

In order to help you to plan for your future, and that of your family, we have compiled a collection of estate articles, guides, and resources for you to explore. Find answers to your estate planning questions, complete estate planning checklists, and start your first Last Will and Testament, Health Care Directive, or Power of Attorney today.

Estate Articles

Caregiving Guide

A caregiver is someone who provides health care or support to a patient or loved one who is either physically or mentally ill. Since the needs of each patient are different, caregivers often need to provide a variety of services to those in their care, including things from every day care to assisting with estate plans.

Choosing Your Representatives

One of the most important aspects of estate planning is choosing who will represent you after you die or if you become incapacitated. Your representative will essentially speak for you when you are no longer able to do so for yourself. Therefore, you should think seriously about who would be able to shoulder that responsibility and manage your affairs successfully.

Disinheriting an Heir

Disinheritance means to not leave any inheritance to an heir in a Last Will and Testament. The act of disinheriting someone cuts off their entitlement to any share of a testator's estate.

Estate Planning for Married Couples

An estate plan consists of several written documents that outline your end-of-life wishes and how you would like your assets to be distributed upon your death.

Estate Planning for Singles

Estate planning can seem fairly simple when you have a clear idea of who your beneficiaries and representatives will be, but what if you don't? Most people choose close family members, such as their spouse or their children, to be the recipients of their estate and the decision-makers in the event of their death, but not everyone has that option.

Executor Duties

An executor, also called a personal representative, is an individual who is chosen to carry out someone's estate plans after death.

How to Appoint a Guardian for Your Children

Parents of minor children are encouraged to designate guardians in a Last Will and Testament in order to make sure that their children are cared for in the event of an emergency that leaves them unable to do so.

How to Leave a Gift to Charity

One of your estate planning goals may be to leave assets to a charity or non-profit organization. Setting up an endowment in your Last Will is a good way for you to leave a personal legacy and support a cause that has meaning to you.

International Travel Checklist

Many people partake in international travel at some point in their lives, but few realize the amount of preparation it takes, especially if they have families, jobs, and homes to think of.

Preplanning Your Funeral

Preparing your own funeral plans may not be at the top of your to-do list, but it does offer many personal and financial benefits. Aside from giving you control over your body and final arrangements, it also takes care of an unpleasant task for your family after your passing.

What Powers Can I Grant to My Attorney-in-Fact?

Whether you plan to travel to another country or you feel it's time to get your affairs in order, there are many things to consider when creating your estate plans. Aside from choosing how you will distribute your assets, and who will represent you after you pass away, you will also need to select someone to act for you if you are unable to act for yourself, such as in the event of incapacitation.

Your Guide to Estate Planning

Estate planning is an important part of everyone's life. By creating a plan for your family and friends to follow after you pass away, you can help them to avoid unnecessary stress and confusion during an already difficult time. You can also ensure that your assets are distributed in the way that you desire and that you have representatives that you can trust. See our complete step-by-step process in this full estate planning guide.