Preventing a Will Contest
It may be impossible to keep relatives from fighting over your will entirely, but there are steps you can take to try to minimize squabbles and ensure your wishes are carried out.
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Updating Your Estate Plan When Your Finances Change
If your estate has changed in value — either increased or decreased — do you need to change your will?
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What Makes a Will Valid?
Movies, television, and books like to present wills in dramatic ways–handwritten notes, videos, deathbed utterances–but what actually makes a will valid? The law varies depending on what state you live in, but there are some basic rules.
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A Brief Overview of a Trustee’s Duties
If you have been appointed the trustee of a trust, this is a strong vote of confidence in your judgment and trusthworthiness. It is also a major responsibility.
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Steps to Take in Advance of Death or Disability
No one wants to face the fact that our loved ones will not be with us forever and facing our own mortality is frightening as well, but it is important to be prepared.
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Don’t Leave Children Unequal Shares By Mistake
Siblings do not always receive equal shares of a parent’s estate. Sometimes the inequality is intentional and sometimes it is accidental. Regardless of how it happens, it can cause arguments among the children.
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How Gifts Can Affect Medicaid Eligibility
We’ve all heard that it’s better to give than to receive, but if you think you might someday want to apply for Medicaid long-term care benefits, you need to be careful because giving away money or property can interfere with your eligibility.
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Medicare Launches App to Help Beneficiaries Find Out What’s Covered
At the doctor’s office and want to know if a procedure is covered by Medicare? There is now an app for that.
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A Final Retirement Account Distribution Must Still Be Made After Death
Federal law requires that after you reach age 70 1/2, you must begin withdrawing a minimum amount
from your retirement accounts. But what if you die after age 70 1/2 and before all the account funds have been distributed?
How to Plan Your Funeral
Thinking about your funeral may not be fun, but planning ahead is helpful. It both lets your family know your wishes and assists them during a stressful time.
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