In a prior post, we started exploring the topic of simple wills. The reasoning behind this was to provide some valuable insight into what state law has to say about these important legally binding documents and to reinforce just how vital they are in helping solidify a person’s exact estate planning wishes. In today’s post, …
A closer look at the execution of simple wills in Minnesota – II Read More »
As we’ve made abundantly clear on our blog, people from all walks of life should give strong consideration to executing a comprehensive estate plan setting forth very clear expectations concerning the distribution of property, medical care and even guardianship of children. That’s because the failure to do so can create both unnecessary tax liability and …
Report finds boomers don’t like to talk about estate planning Read More »
In previous posts, we’ve discussed how many people would benefit considerably from having a simple will in place. That’s because this legally binding document allows a person to set forth their exact wishes concerning how they want their money, real estate and personal belongings to be divided, as well appoint guardians for any minor children. …
A closer look at the execution of simple wills in Minnesota Read More »
Last October, music fans of all ages were undoubtedly sad to hear the news that legendary musician Lou Reed had died of complications from a recent liver transplant. The long-time solo artist and lead singer for the Velvet Underground, known for his monotone singing style, was viewed by many of one of the more influential …
Estate plan of music icon provides valuable lessons Read More »
The “E-Z legal form” a woman downloaded off of the internet to use as her will created a costly headache for her relatives after she passed away, offering what the court called a cautionary tale to others considering the same path. The problem with the online form was that it did not contain an important …
A recent survey of international savings, retirement, and estate planning habits found that the United States ranked surprisingly low in terms of how many parents planned to leave a gift for their children and how much. About 59 percent of those surveyed in the United States said that they planned to leave an inheritance for …
Do you plan on leaving an inheritance for your children? Read More »
When you start to create an estate plan, one of your first concerns will likely be how you will distribute your earned income and other financial assets among your heirs and beneficiaries after you die. However, money is often not the most important thing that your loved ones may hope to inherit in your will. …
Dealing with family heirlooms in your estate plan Read More »
A former attorney for deceased actress Julie Harris is arguing in court that her most recent will should be invalidated. He says that after he was fired by Harris, her mental capacity was not sound and that she was not competent to execute a new will with her new lawyer and that the new lawyer …
Allegations of undue influence surface in will dispute Read More »
A man’s son’s are involved in litigation over their late father’s estate after his sudden death prevented him from completing an updated estate plan. The man had drafted a plan in 2000 that was complete and properly executed but decided to change it dramatically in 2012, diverting funds that he had planned to leave to …
Estate planning is one of the areas of the law where the formalities matter immensely. Take proper will execution, for example, where one must have the right paperwork at the right time with appropriate witnesses in order for the will to be valid. It is not enough to simply tell someone your last wishes or …