Archive for January, 2009
If you own a business, whether you are a sole proprietor or own jointly with partners, it is important that you take into consideration how you want your business and its assets to be handled when you are no longer able to contribute to its maintenance and growth. You may want your business to be [...]
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Probate is the court-supervised process through which your assets are distributed to your beneficiaries and loved ones. The probate process applies to estates both with and without wills, and it can be smooth and orderly or contentious depending on whether or not family members are fighting over assets you have not specified beneficiaries for. There [...]
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If you are the caregiver for an individual with special needs, there is a good chance he or she is receiving public benefits such as Social Security disability. Public benefits are subject to strict income restrictions, which, if exceeded can result in the loss of funds that your loved one has come to depend on. [...]
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When thinking about estate planning it can be easy to assume that the transfer of your assets and property will proceed exactly the way you imagine without any contention or unexpected issues. Perhaps you think you know how your children, spouse or business partner will behave when you are no longer with them. Or, maybe [...]
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Setting up a trust to handle your assets during your lifetime is one element of a good estate plan. A living trust gives instructions as to how your assets should be managed during your life and provides instructions on how they are to be distributed after your death. While the establishment of a trust is [...]
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One of the first steps in the process of creating a comprehensive estate plan is to outline your plans for yourself and the transfer of your assets as well as your plans for the future care of your loved ones. In this regard, your estate plan should be developed in accordance with wishes and goals [...]
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A supplemental needs trust is an important tool that can be used to make sure a child with special needs has access to the services and care he or she requires. Establishing a supplemental needs trust as a part of an overall financial plan is one step in providing a solid base of lifetime support. [...]
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