Putting together a will is an important first step when you create your estate plan. This document allows you to dictate how to distribute your personal property after your death. According to a recent Gallup poll, only 46% of Americans have created a will. If you...
A Power of Attorney plays a very important role in your estate planning. The person you designate must act in your best interests and can make decisions on your behalf should you become incapacitated. Choosing the right person for this role can be difficult. This...
The idea of people using your money without your consent can feel like a major violation. However, this is what often happens during emergency situations when no power of attorney is in place. Your decision to name a power of attorney as part of your estate plan can...
Planning for your death is important, but it is equally important to plan what should happen if you are still living but unable to make critical decisions for yourself. A key step in this process is assigning power of attorney to an agent you trust to make decisions...
A will is a legal document that provides instructions on what to do after your death. More specifically, wills deal with things like the distribution of assets and who to have custody of your children. This document makes it easier on grieving family members, as it...
As in other states, in Virginia, your estate may have to pass through probate before distributing to your heirs and beneficiaries. This is the process the government uses to confirm that your will is valid and ensure the transfer of your assets according to your...
As you create your will, you must make many decisions – some of them are easy and swift, while others take a greater amount of thought. One such decision in the latter category is choosing an executor. Not just anyone can complete the many duties of this important and...
There are many reasons to create a trust. You probably have family members you want to provide for or you want to spare your family a lengthy period in probate. You may even know who you want as your trustee. Perhaps you wish to name a son or daughter. However,...
Putting together your estate plan gives you the opportunity to dictate what you want to happen to your assets after you die. But many people have yet to create their estate plan and make a plan for the future. According to a survey conducted by Caring.com, only 4 out...
Even if your divorce is amicable, the dividing of property can bring out the worst in people, and the court may end up making the final decision about who gets what. Whether you have pension plans and retirement accounts, a vacation home, or a beloved pet, a judge may...
