Handling a Loved One’s Debts After They Die
While nearly half of Americans think they will pass on their debts when they die, you can take proactive steps now to protect your loved ones from inheriting or becoming responsible for your debts. If you are an estate’s executor/personal representative or have been contacted by a debt collector about a deceased family member’s debt, you should understand your rights and obligations.
Why Retirement Is the Right Time to Revisit Your Estate Plan
While the pace of your days may be slower in retirement, life does not stand still. We are living longer, spending more years in retirement, and dealing with new financial and personal realities. Whether you are approaching retirement or already in it, this stage calls for a fresh look at your estate plan and timely adjustments that match your next chapter.
Emotions the Estate Planning Process Can Bring Up and How to Address Them
Estate planning requires confronting emotionally charged topics. While thinking about your potential incapacity (inability to manage your own affairs) or death may be unsettling, avoiding uncomfortable topics and the feelings they trigger can often make the situation worse for you and your loved ones.
Creative Uses for a Loved One’s Stuff
Among the piles of old dishes, worn sweaters, and forgotten souvenirs you may uncover when a loved one passes away, there may be a few pieces worth rescuing—not for their value, but for their story. Consider setting aside one or two items and turning them into something that will last. A creative keepsake can transform the weight of “stuff” into a tangible reminder of love, history, or a life well lived.
How to Get Organized to Meet with Your Estate Planning Attorney
You have decided to meet with an estate planning attorney to get your affairs in order and ensure that your loved ones are protected. Now that you have scheduled the appointment, it is time to get yourself organized and prepare for the first meeting.
Estate Plans Age Tool: How to Keep Yours Fresh and Effective
Your estate plan is one of the most important sets of legal tools you will ever create. An estate plan is designed to protect you, your loved ones, and your money and property. It can minimize taxes and fees and ensure that your loved ones are taken care of. Depending on the estate planning tools you use, it can also keep your personal matters out of the court system and away from prying eyes.
