What is a QTIP Trust? A Guide for Protecting Your Loved Ones and Your Legacy
You might be thinking, “QTIP? Quality Tip?” It sounds like a product for your ears, but a QTIP Trust actually stands for Qualified Terminable Interest Property Trust. Despite its complex name, it’s a highly useful estate planning tool that helps balance the financial needs of a spouse while preserving assets for future beneficiaries—often children. Let’s […]
The Grantor: Unsung Hero of Estate Planning
Imagine you’re at a family reunion, and your eccentric Uncle Bob starts discussing how he’s become a “Grantor.” Your cousin Sarah rolls her eyes, assuming it’s just another of Bob’s quirky hobbies. But little does she know that Uncle Bob might be the most intelligent person at the picnic table. I can tell you that […]
How Do I Fund My Trust?
Regarding estate planning, one of the most essential tools available to individuals is a trust. Think of a trust as a box with an instruction manual. The instruction manual controls what’s in the box and where it goes at the time of your passing. But here’s the catch – if nothing is in the box, […]
New Home Contract? Now’s the Time to Consider a Trust
You’ve found your dream home and your offer’s been accepted – this is an exciting time! As you approach closing, your agent, attorney, or title company will ask how you’d like to hold the title to the property. While individual ownership is common, placing your new house into a trust right from the start has […]
Are All Trusts Living Trusts?
The word “trust” gets used quite broadly, creating potential confusion. While a “living trust” is a widely discussed instrument for estate planning, it’s crucial to understand that not every trust is a living trust. We’ll break down the key distinctions. What is a Trust? Simply put, a trust is a legal arrangement where someone (the […]
Why Setting Up a Trust is a Smart Move When Buying a New Home
Buying a new home is more than just a significant financial investment; it’s a key component of your overall estate. As you embark on this exciting journey, it’s crucial to consider how this asset will be managed, both now and in the future. One effective strategy for managing real estate assets is setting up a […]
What to Include When Crafting Your Trust
When you’re working with a trust attorney, it’s crucial to understand what you can include in your trust document. Let’s explore the variety of instructions or restrictions that can make your trust truly yours, ensuring your legacy is managed just the way you envision. Tailoring Your Trust: A Guide to Restrictions Creating a trust allows […]
How to Navigate Estate Planning Without Heirs
Many people mistakenly believe that without direct heirs—like children or grandchildren—there’s no need for estate planning. However, the reality is quite different. Even if you don’t have immediate family to inherit your assets, deciding how your estate will be distributed is crucial. If not, you might be surprised at who ends up with your hard-earned […]
Estate Planning Considerations for Veterans: Tips to Ensure Your Service is Honored
For those who have served in the military, estate planning takes on unique considerations. Veterans have earned specific benefits and honors due to their service, and it’s essential that these are incorporated into an estate and long-term care plan. Here are some key points veterans should consider: Safeguarding Your DD214 Your DD214, or Certificate of […]
Flexibility and Considerations for Changing Beneficiaries on Your Life Insurance
Life insurance is a powerful tool to ensure that your loved ones are taken care of financially after you’re gone. But as life evolves, so do our relationships and priorities. A common question we encounter is: “Can I change the beneficiaries on my life insurance whenever I want?” Our will and trust attorneys dive into […]