Probate: What It Is & How To Avoid It — Part 2
To spare your loved one’s the time, cost, and stress inherent to probate in part one of this series, we explained how the probate process works and what it would entail for your loved ones. Here in part two, we’ll discuss the major drawbacks of probate for your family, and outline the different ways you can help them avoid probate with wise planning.
Don’t Make This $700 Million Mistake: Include an Asset Inventory in Your Estate Plan
A computer engineer from Wales accidentally threw away a hard drive containing 8,000 Bitcoin (BTC), now worth approximately $700 million. His decade-long struggle to recover his fortune offers vital lessons for proper estate planning in our increasingly digital world.
10 Guardian Mistakes That Could Put Your Kids at Risk (And How to Do It Right)
Naming guardians in your will isn’t enough to fully protect your children if something happens to you. Discover the 10 most common guardianship mistakes parents make and how a comprehensive Kids Protection Plan® can provide complete peace of mind.
PROBATE: WHAT IT IS & HOW TO AVOID IT — PART 1
Unless you’ve created a proper estate plan, when you die, many of your assets must pass through the court process known as probate before those assets can be distributed to your heirs. Like most court proceedings, probate can be time-consuming, costly, and open to the public, and because of this, avoiding probate—and keeping your family out of court—is a central goal of most estate plans.
When a Loved One Needs Help — Understanding Guardianship in Florida
In Florida, guardianship refers to the court-appointed legal responsibility given to someone who will make decisions on behalf of an incapacitated person. A guardian may have authority over the person’s financial matters, while another guardian may have authority over the person’s personal care and medical decisions.
The Unexpected Challenges of Being an Estate Executor
Being named executor is often seen as an honor, but many don’t realize the complex responsibilities and potential family dynamics involved. The role requires more than you may expect, from immediate financial obligations to long-term asset management.
Five Essential Steps to Protect Your Loved Ones
Make 2025 the year you finally tackle estate planning and protect your loved ones’ future. Learn the five essential steps you can take right now to ensure they are cared for, and your legacy is preserved.
Why Estate Planning is More Than Just Documents
Did you know there’s approximately $60 billion in unclaimed property held by state governments across the US? Learn how proper estate planning can prevent your assets from becoming part of this staggering statistic.
Trust Administration: A Comprehensive Guide
Trust administration involves carefully managing and distributing a trust’s assets according to the wishes of the trust’s creator (the grantor). The trustee who oversees this process has a fiduciary duty to act in the best interests of the beneficiaries, managing assets with integrity and attention to detail. Trust administration is critical, ensuring the grantor’s wishes are honored, and the beneficiaries receive their due entitlements. In the complex world of trust administration, seeking professional support is not just an option, but a necessity that can provide reassurance and peace of mind to all parties involved.
Common Estate Planning Questions Part 2 of 2
When it comes to planning for your family’s future, the options can feel overwhelming. Should you get a will? Create a trust? And what happens if you do nothing at all? These aren’t just academic questions – your choices today will impact your loved ones tomorrow.