Are Transfer on Death Deeds a Good Alternative to Estate Planning?

Q. I was recently discussing with my husband what would happen to our house in Annandale, Virginia when we are no longer around, especially since we don’t have our estate planning in place yet. One my friends’ parents recently … [Read more...]

The Nightmare of Probate: Prince’s Estate Took Six Years to Settle

In 2016, the legendary musician and actor Prince died of a fentanyl overdose. He left behind an incredible legacy, significant assets, many relatives, and, unfortunately, no will and no trust. It took six years and tens of … [Read more...]

Problems with Beneficiary Designations Part 2

Q. Last week, you wrote about why inheritance sometimes goes unclaimed, and how it’s a lot less likely when you have a trust in place. I read something about the downsides of beneficiary designations naming individuals and how … [Read more...]

Are There Universal Rules for Trusts in U.S. States?

Q. Last week, in your article about Power of Attorney documents, you discussed the Uniform Power of Attorney Act, a law that was created to give universal rules for POAs across the states that have adopted it. Is there a similar … [Read more...]

How Do You Handle Homeowners Insurance When Your House is in a Trust?

Q. We decided to get our estate planning documents done and our home is now in a revocable living trust. We feel good about taking this action because our loved ones will not be overburdened with the nightmare of probate when we … [Read more...]

When A Trust is Ambiguous

Q. I have been married to my second husband, Tony, for 10 years. We have two children together and three from both of our previous marriages. I am very close with my mother-in-law, Isabella who recently moved in with us and helps … [Read more...]

How Can You Reduce Your Capital Gains Taxes?

Diane, at age 80, resides in the home she has lived in for nearly 40 years. When she initially purchased the home after her husband’s death, it cost only $25,000 (and she since put in $45,000 in improvements); today it’s worth at … [Read more...]

The “Queen of Soul” and Other Celebrities Who Died Without a Will

Aretha Franklin, "the Queen of Soul" died on August 16, at the age of 76, from pancreatic cancer. Similar to many other celebrities as we will describe in more detail in this article, a recent court filing revealed that Franklin … [Read more...]

Estate Planning for the Modern Family

Q. My family is not what many would consider "ordinary." I am divorced and have been remarried for five years. I have a 40-year-old stepdaughter, a 25-year-old daughter, and a 10-year-old grandson, all of whom reside with us. My … [Read more...]

Why Every College Student Should Have an Incapacity Plan

Q. My 18-year old daughter, Madison, will be a freshman in college in the fall. At her high school graduation party, my friend Phil told me that he is already doing estate planning for his own daughter, and he told me that it is … [Read more...]

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