Resources

Common Questions About Estate Planning

Estate Planning Overview

• Estate, Gift, and GST Taxes
• Glossary of Estate Planning Terms

An Introduction to Wills

Frequently Asked Questions about Wills

• What Happens If You Die Without A Will?
• What A Will Does
• What A Will Does Not Do
• How To Execute a Will

Types of Non-probate Property

• Jointly Owned Property
• Trusts
• Annuities and Retirement Benefits
• Life Insurance

Revocable Trusts

• What is a Revocable Living Trust?

Power of Attorney

Questions Regarding Power-of-Attorney

• Introduction
• Who Should Be Your Agent?
• How The Agent Should Sign?
• Beyond Signing Checks

State Laws Vary

• What if I move?
• Will my Power of Attorney expire?

Living Wills, Health Care Proxies, and Advance Health Care Directives

Questions Regarding Living Wills

• Introduction
• Living Wills
• Health Care Proxy
• Why Have Health Directives?
• Obtaining and Maintaining Living Wills and Health Care Proxies
• Organ and Tissue Donation
• Communication is the Key
• Other Resources on Living Wills

The Probate Process

• What is Probate?
• Should you Avoid Probate?

Planning With Retirement Benefits

• Introduction
• Income Taxation of Qualified Plans and IRAs
• Distribution of Plan Assets to the Participant
• Distribution of Plan Assets After the Participant’s Death
• Estate Tax Considerations
• Planning Considerations

Guidelines for Individual Executors and Trustees

• Introduction
• Understanding The Will
• Managing Estate Assets
• Handling Debts & Expenses
• Funding the Bequests
• Trust Administration
• Closing the Estate
• Common Questions

The Lawyer’s Role and “Do It Yourself” Estate Planning

• What is the Lawyer’s Role?
• Do It Yourself Estate Planning

Asset Protection Planning

• Overview of Asset Protection Planning