According to CNBC, only about 33 percent of Americans have put together a will, which is typically one of the first steps in starting your estate plan. When you create a will as part of the estate planning process, this may involve naming a legal guardian for your...
Writing a will is one of the most basic components of an estate plan. However, according to a survey by Caring.com, a senior living referral service, nearly two-thirds of U.S. adults do not have a will. What happens to your estate if you die in Washington state...
Contemplating end-of-life decisions can be challenging, but it is an important aspect of estate planning. By making these decisions now, you provide a roadmap that guides your loved ones and healthcare providers if you become incapable of expressing your wishes....
Hashing out plans for your death is not something you should take lightly. It involves a lot of thinking and planning to make the experience easier for your loved ones both financially and emotionally. There are some actions you should take after completing your...
Bringing a new child into your family is a time of great joy and celebration. The last thing most people think of is death. However, new parents need to start thinking about the best interest of their child, and this includes figuring out what to do in the event that...
A will is a great estate planning document, but it does have some limitations. There are specific items a will cannot handle. Typically, your will gives personal information and provides for assets not otherwise handled through other legal means. So, there are some...
A trust is a common document in an estate plan. You can use it to create a definitive plan for your assets and protect your wishes for your estate. It comes with many benefits, and many people use a trust as a means to bypass probate. However, there are many kinds...
Whoever you select to oversee your trust will owe a fiduciary duty to the beneficiaries of your trust. Hopefully, your trustee will not encounter any legal issues while administering your trust. Still, sometimes a trustee cannot avoid a date in court. Smart Asset...
If you have a friend who has a relative with a disability or other special needs, your friend may have asked you to be a trustee of a special needs trust. Before you agree to do so, though, you should know exactly what the role involves. A special needs trust is a...
About two-thirds of people who file for bankruptcy in America do so because of medical debts. Older Americans, who face high healthcare costs and often live on fixed incomes, are particularly vulnerable. A new law that expands Washington's charity care program may...
