Estate planning ensures that your assets and belongings get distributed according to your wishes after your passing. However, the process is not without its pitfalls. Scammers exploit this critical time, making it necessary to understand and recognize common scams....
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Are funeral trusts a good deal?
If you have ever had to make final arrangements for a loved one, you probably remember just how expensive funerals can be. Indeed, according to reporting from CNBC, the median cost of a funeral in the U.S. in 2021 was nearly $8,000. You can spend tens of thousands of...
Can you change your executor?
When it comes to estate planning, one of the most important decisions you'll make is who will serve as your executor. Your executor is responsible for many different, key tasks after you pass away. However, what happens if you change your mind and want to choose a new...
How do first and third-party trusts differ?
When you have a special-needs family member, planning for their future care may help you ensure that you can meet all of their medical, financial and personal needs, even after you pass on. Establishing a special needs trust is one of the most effective ways to do so....
What is a pooled trust?
When you have a child with special needs, you have to think about what will happen in the future if you die. If your child needs extensive care and support, you must ensure it is in place in case something does happen to you. Many parents do this by creating a special...
What is a codicil?
When you begin the process of your estate, the first thing you may think of is a will. This document establishes your last wishes and includes which of your loved ones receive which parts of your estate. With the right resources and documentation, your will can make...
Do you owe a Georgia estate tax if you inherit property?
If someone recently left you money or property, it is unlikely that you would owe an estate tax. Georgia no longer has this type of tax for new estates. Additionally, the estate itself owed the tax under the previous system. Therefore, you as an inheritor would not...
Are you relying on these 3 common excuses for not writing a will?
Creating a last will and testament is one of the more effective ways to have some control over what happens to your assets after your death. If you have children or other dependents, a will also can designate a person to act as their guardian. Still, for a variety of...
What authority does a power of attorney provide?
While handling estate plans, the discussion eventually turns toward drafting a power of attorney. Some people may not see the need for this step or think it is only for those who are exceptionally wealthy. The following details explain what a power of attorney is and...
How should I choose beneficiaries?
When thinking about the variety of information you need to write in a will, picking who will get your assets and heirlooms could seem overwhelming. Understanding what beneficiaries are and why you should think seriously about who you name in your estate plan can help...