When a loved one dies: first, you grieve. Next, as their successor trustee, there is a series of obligations that you must handle to put your loved one to rest and to manage their estate.

Estate plans are almost magical: they allow you to maintain control of your assets, yet protect you if you become incapacitated. They take care of your family and even your pets.

HEMS stands for health, education, maintenance, or support and is frequently included in trust agreements to guide a trustee on the types of distributions they may make to a trust beneficiary.

So, you have decided to take control of your estate planning and are given two choices: will-based planning or trust-based planning. If the differences between the two confuse you, you are not alone!

We know that you are always looking for ways to protect your family and loved ones. Here are six steps to take this year to help make sure that your estate plan protects you and yours.

We hope you are looking forward to the holidays and the opportunity to relax and enjoy the company of friends and family.

The IRS recently announced that it will adjust estate tax exclusions in 2023 for inflation.

There are many tools that an experienced estate attorney can use to keep your money and property out of probate. Setting up a revocable living trust is often the best, most comprehensive option for avoiding probate.

Estate attorneys and financial planners typically recommend working to keep accounts and property out of probate. That said, the probate system, in some cases, can be used to your advantage.

In a financial power of attorney, you designate an agent or attorney-in-fact to act on your behalf if you become disabled or unable to manage your financial affairs. When you are selecting powers to give your agent, you should carefully consider three powers in particular.