Estate Planning for a Child with Addiction

November 6, 2024

Estate planning for a child with addiction is not just about leaving them an inheritance — it’s about ensuring that the inheritance supports their recovery and future well-being. Parents often find themselves facing tough decisions when their child struggles with substance abuse. However, creating a plan with clear goals can provide a sense of control and security for everyone involved, as per Kiplinger.

When a child has an addiction, direct access to their inheritance can do more harm than good. A well-structured trust can help protect the child and their financial future, especially when the trustee has clear instructions and guidance on handling distributions.

What kind of trust should you set up for a child with addiction? Trusts designed for minors or those with intellectual disabilities may not be appropriate in this case, since the goals are very different. For children struggling with substance use, a trust must account for their unique needs and the challenges they may face in their recovery journey.

A trust for a child with a substance use disorder can either play an active or passive role in their recovery. Some parents may prefer a trust focusing solely on the child’s basic needs — housing, food and healthcare. Others may want a more proactive approach, where the trustee is involved in the child’s treatment plan, helping to pay for rehabilitation, therapy and ongoing support.

Parents should discuss with their estate planning attorney how they want the trust to work. Should it fund recovery efforts? Should distributions only be allowed if the child is making progress toward recovery? Having these conversations ahead of time ensures that the trust aligns with the parents’ goals and the child’s long-term needs.

Understanding the recovery process is essential to structuring estate planning for a child with addiction. Recovery doesn’t happen overnight. Many children go through several stages before they reach a place of stability, and setbacks are common. In fact, relapses are often part of the process.

One model of behavioral change, known as the Transtheoretical Model, suggests that recovery involves several stages, including:

Precontemplation: The child is not yet ready to address their addiction.
Contemplation: They recognize the problem but feel conflicted about taking action.
Preparation: The child begins making small changes and planning more significant steps.
Action: The child actively works to change their behavior and engage in recovery.
Maintenance: They develop coping strategies to maintain sobriety.
Relapse: Relapse is common but can be seen as part of the learning process.

A trust designed to support recovery should not penalize the child for relapsing. It should instead provide resources to help them get back on track and continue their journey toward a healthier future.

Incentives can be a helpful tool in encouraging a child with addiction to stick to their recovery plan. However, offering cash as an incentive is generally not recommended, as it can lead to a greater risk of relapses.

Incentives should instead be non-monetary, such as paying for a vacation, using a vehicle, or covering the cost of a fitness membership. The trustee should be able to decide when the child has met the goals necessary to earn these incentives. This approach helps ensure that rewards begin with genuine recovery progress.

When planning for a child with addiction, the right estate plan can make a significant difference in their recovery and long-term well-being. By setting up a specialized trust, you can offer them the support they need without the risk of enabling harmful behavior.

Don’t leave your child’s future to chance—take control by working with an experienced estate planning attorney who can help you structure a plan that aligns with your goals and safeguards your child’s inheritance. If you would like to learn more about estate planning for complicated family histories, please visit our previous posts.

Reference: Kiplinger (Mar. 8, 2019) “Designing Trusts for Substance Abuse Problems“

Sharing Family Values in Your Estate Plan

September 9, 2024

Estate planning isn’t just about managing finances and assets; it’s also a way to pass down family values that shaped your life. As you think about the legacy you want to leave behind, consider sharing those critical family values in your estate plan. Doing so ensures that your life’s lessons, beliefs, and traditions guide and inspire your family even after you’re gone.

Family stories are more than just memories; they are the building blocks of your family’s identity. Professor Elizabeth Keating from the University of Texas highlights the importance of uncovering these stories by asking thoughtful questions. According to Keating, by learning about your parents’ and grandparents’ experiences, you can see the world through their eyes and understand the values that guided them.

When planning your estate, these stories can play a crucial role. For instance, if you value hard work and education, you might want to include provisions in your estate plan that encourage these traits in your heirs. This could be through establishing a trust that supports education or guidelines that reward hard work and responsibility.

Setting up a trust is one effective way to embed your values in your estate plan. Trusts offer flexibility, allowing you to set specific conditions for how and when your assets are distributed. For example, if you want to encourage your children to pursue higher education, your trust could cover tuition and educational expenses. On the other hand, if you want to promote entrepreneurship, you could create provisions that support starting a business.

A well-drafted trust can include various instructions tailored to reflect your values. Here are a few examples:

Encouraging Education: The trust could stipulate that funds are released to pay for college or other educational pursuits.
Promoting Work Ethic: Distributions might be tied to the beneficiary’s employment status or income level.
Supporting Healthy Lifestyles: The trust could include incentives for maintaining good health or even require periodic drug tests.
Fostering Philanthropy: You could set aside a portion of the trust to be donated to charities that align with your values or establish a charitable foundation in your name.

According to an article written by Kiplinger, discussing your estate plan with your family is essential to ensure that everyone understands your wishes and the values you hope to pass on. This dialogue can also allow you to share the stories and lessons that have shaped your life. Dr. Keating emphasizes the power of asking the right questions to uncover these stories, which can strengthen the connection between generations.

By having these conversations, you clarify your intentions and give your family a deeper understanding of the values behind your estate planning decisions. This can help prevent misunderstandings and conflicts down the road.

For many, faith plays a significant role in their lives, and estate planning is an opportunity to ensure that these beliefs continue to guide future generations. Whether supporting religious institutions, funding mission trips, or simply promoting charitable giving, your estate plan can be tailored to reflect and perpetuate your faith.

Incorporating a statement of purpose within your trust can serve as a powerful reminder to your heirs about the importance of these values. This statement can outline your motivations and provide guidance on how you wish your legacy to be used, ensuring that your values continue to influence your family for generations.

Sharing your family values in your estate plan offers a unique opportunity to preserve and promote then for future generations. By incorporating thoughtful provisions and having open conversations with your loved ones, you can ensure that your legacy is about more than just money—it’s about the values that have guided your life.

If you would like to learn more about sharing personal life lessons and advice in your estate planning, please visit our previous posts.

References: The University of Texas (Nov. 10, 2022) “Faculty Publication: The Essential Questions: Interview Your Family to Uncover Stories and Bridge Generations by Elizabeth Keating” and Kiplinger (Jun. 27, 2023) “In Estate Planning, Your Values Can Play a Key Role | Kiplinger”

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Estate Planning for Veterans and Active Military Is Important

May 7, 2024

Your dedication to your country is unwavering as a veteran or active military service member. While you’re committed to your duty, you must protect yourself and your loved ones and preserve your legacy. Veterans and active military personnel can and should create an estate plan to match their unique needs. Based on Trust & Will’s article, “Estate Planning for Veterans & Active Military,” we look at why estate planning for veterans and active military personnel is so important.

Military life is marked by unpredictability and uncertainty for you and your family, making estate planning a vital aspect of preparing for the future. Many individuals have plans to distribute funds and appoint trusted loved ones to handle medical and financial matters if the unthinkable happens. Estate planning is essential to help provide for your loved ones if you pass away or are incapacitated. Knowing that your family will be cared for can give you peace of mind.

A will serves as a cornerstone of your estate plan, allowing you to:

Protect Your Family: Specify guardianship for minor children, ensuring they’re cared for by trusted individuals in your absence.
Distribute Assets Seamlessly: Designate beneficiaries and outline asset distribution instructions, including real estate, retirement and financial accounts, sentimental items, and other property.
Plan for the Unexpected: Outline your preferences for medical care and end-of-life decisions to prepare for unforeseen circumstances.

In the military, adaptability is critical, but so is ensuring your affairs are managed in your absence. Powers of Attorney enable you to:

Delegate Your Decisions: If you are incapacitated, designate trusted individuals to handle your legal, financial, and medical decisions.
Manage Your Affairs: Maintain continuity in managing assets, paying bills, and making critical decisions, even during deployments or periods of incapacity.
Mitigate Financial Risk: Protect against financial exploitation and past-due bills by appointing reliable agents to act in your best interests.

For military families, asset protection and efficient wealth transfer are paramount. Trusts offer a range of benefits, including:

Asset Preservation: Safeguard assets during incapacity or deployment, ensuring financial stability for your family.
Probate Avoidance: Streamline the distribution of assets to beneficiaries, bypassing the lengthy and costly probate process.
Tax Efficiency: Minimize estate taxes and maximize tax savings, preserving more of your hard-earned assets for future generations.

Your dedication and sacrifice are unmatched as a veteran or active military service member. That is why estate planning is so important for veterans and active military personnel. By prioritizing estate planning and including will, trust, and power of attorney strategies, you can protect your loved ones and preserve your legacy for generations. Consult with an experienced estate planning attorney for peace of mind. If you would like to learn more about planning for veterans, please visit our previous posts.

Reference: Trust & Will “Estate Planning for Veterans & Active Military,”

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Uncovering a Life Insurance Policy for a Deceased Loved One

When and How to get Letters of Testamentary

February 12, 2024

The executor manages assets until the probate process is complete. They also need proof of their authority to do so. The court-issued Letter of Testamentary provides evidence of their authority and explains a recent article from Forbes, “What Is A Letter Of Testamentary?” The article details how this document works and when and how to get Letters of Testamentary.

A decedent’s last will and testament names their executor, who will manage their estate. Their duties include filing probate paperwork with the court, notifying potential heirs and creditors of the probate process and managing assets, including paying bills from the estate’s bank account. The executor is also the one to set up the estate’s bank account. When the estate is nearly completed, assets are distributed to beneficiaries.

Third parties need to know who the executor is. The executor also needs proof of their authority to carry out their job tasks. The letter is a simple document issued by the probate court and typically includes the following information:

The court issuing the letter.
The name and contact details of the executor (also referred to as a “personal representative” of the estate).
That the personal representative was named in the will of the decedent
The date the executor was granted authority to manage the decedent’s estate.

What is the difference between a Letter of Testamentary and a Letter of Administration? A letter of administration can be used during the probate process. However, it serves a different process. The court uses the letter of administration if a person dies without having named a personal representative or executor. The court appoints a person to manage the estate and probate process, and the court then creates a Letter of Administration giving this individual the authority to act.

There is no guarantee or requirement for the court to appoint a family member to serve in this role. This is another reason why having a will that names an executor is essential if the family wishes to be involved in settling the estate.

What if there is no will? Without a will, there is no executor. Someone is still needed to manage the decedent’s assets and take care of the steps in probate. A surviving family member or loved one may open a probate case after death, even when there is no will. This involves filing court documents and attending a hearing. The court will then appoint an administrator, determining who has the desire and ability to serve in the role.

What about assets held in trust? If assets have been placed in a trust, a trustee has been named and is in charge of following the trust’s directions. There is no probate court involvement, which is why so many opt to place their assets in a trust as part of their estate plan. The trust becomes the legal owner of the assets once they are placed in the trust. The trust creator often acts as the trustee during their lifetime and names a successor trustee who takes over in case of incapacity or death. That person has the authority to manage the trust assets and transfer them through the trust administration process without any involvement from the court.

However, if assets were not placed in the trust, they must go through the probate process, and an executor or personal representative will need a letter to manage them.

If you have lost a loved one, or are choosing an executor, ensure you have a complete understanding of when and how to get letters of testamentary. Work with an experienced estate planning attorney familiar with your state’s laws and the court process of probate. If you are interested in learning more about probate, please visit our previous posts.

Reference: Forbes (Jan. 17, 2024) “What Is A Letter Of Testamentary?”

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Estate Plans Require Preparation for Success

June 13, 2023

Making wishes clear to family members is never enough to satisfy legal standards, according to a recent article, “Preparation is essential part of estate plan” from The News-Enterprise. Quite the opposite occurs when family members refuse to follow verbal requests, especially when personal grievances come to the surface during times of grief. Estate plans require preparation for success.

A second misconception concerns the spouse or children being able to step in and take action for a loved one whose health is declining solely based on the family relationship.

Many parents have children who would make poor agents, so many don’t name their children to act on their behalf. Even if you want your spouse or child to act on your behalf, you have to name them in the proper legal documents.

A third frequent misconception is that documents can be created when needed. Not so! Documents like Power of Attorney, Health Care Power of Attorney, Living Will and others must be created well in advance. An incapacitated person cannot sign legal documents, so if no planning has been done, the family will have to petition the court to name a guardian—an expensive, time-consuming and complicated process.

Every adult should have three basic documents while they are in good health: a Health Care Power of Attorney, a Durable Power of Attorney and a Last Will and Testament.

The Health Care Power of Attorney gives another person the right to make healthcare decisions for you if you are unable to do so. It also gives another person the right to access protected health care information, including medical and health insurance records. It may also be used to authorize organ and/or tissue donation and set limitations for donation. Finally, the document may direct end-of-life decisions regarding artificial life support.

The Durable Power of Attorney allows another person to handle legal and financial matters. It can be effective upon signing or upon incapacity. Without correctly executed Powers of Attorney, the family will need to apply for guardianship.

The Last Will and Testament determines who should receive any specific property and how your property is to be divided and distributed. Wills are only effective upon death, so any property in the will continues to be yours until death. Wills are also used to name the executor who will be responsible for administering the estate. It can also be used to set up additional protections for disabled beneficiaries, minor children and others who are not good with finances.

Speak with an experienced estate planning attorney to be certain to have these essential documents to prepare for the times when life doesn’t go as expected. Preparation is required for the success of your estate plan and those you love. If you would like to learn more about drafting an estate plan, please visit our previous posts.

Reference: The News-Enterprise (May 13, 2023) “Preparation is essential part of estate plan”

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Older Singles need to Plan for the Unexpected

May 1, 2023

The U.S. Census Bureau reports nearly a third of all seniors live alone—about 14 million—some of whom don’t have children or anyone to care for them if they need help. However, according to a recent article from Forbes, “Essentials for the Solo Ager,” everything is fine until there’s a problem. This is especially true when the solo ager’s friends are all about the same age and in the same situation. Older singles need to plan for the unexpected.

One financial adviser asked an estate planning attorney to contact a client who was 88, living alone, still driving and maintaining her own home. She had an inadequate estate plan done for free by a volunteer at her senior center and needed a Power of Attorney and Health Care Power of Attorney. In addition, her only living relative lived outside of the United States, and the person she relied upon was a 90-year-old, legally blind neighbor. All of this had worked fine for years, but at 88, she was highly vulnerable.

Here are some options for solo agers to consider while planning constructively for the future:

Consider naming a fiduciary to handle finances in your estate plan, which an experienced estate planning attorney should prepare.

Healthcare decisions are often a minefield for someone who is cognitively or physically impaired and unable to make decisions. Some professionals can be named as your healthcare agent, preferably someone who knows the healthcare system and can advocate for you if you are incapacitated. In addition, a healthcare power of attorney would be needed.

Make your wishes and preferences clear in your estate planning documents, so someone who does not know you well can follow your specific directions and fulfill your wishes.

Give up the idea of being 100% well until you pass. Most seniors unfortunately experience one or more health challenges and need more assistance than they ever imagined. Be realistic and identify younger adults who will be able to help you and give them the legal tools to do so. If they never need to help you, fantastic, but if they do, you’ll be glad to have their help.

Single people are independent and self-reliant and take pride in these characteristics. This is great. However, there comes a time when none of us can be independent. No one likes to think about losing their independence or becoming disabled. However, planning will keep you safer rather than hoping for the best.

Older singles need to plan for the unexpected. Meet with an experienced estate planning attorney who will help you plan for your future. If you would like to learn more about aging in place, please visit our previous posts.

Reference: Forbes (March 26, 2023) “Essentials for the Solo Ager”

Steps to Take for End-of-Life Planning

February 23, 2023

Most people don’t consider anything about planning for incapacity or death to be joyful. However, if you consider estate planning documents as a way to share your wishes and make your departure easier for those you love, as well as a means to express your thoughts and feelings, it could make these tasks a little cheerier. A recent article from The Washington Post, “6 joyful steps for end-of-life planning,” could help reframe how you think of estate planning. There are some concrete steps to take for end-of-life planning.

From a practical standpoint, death and incapacity are complicated for loved ones. They will appreciate your preparing an advance health directive, which should be created when a person is healthy, and not when they are in a hospital bed. The same goes for funeral arrangements, which are costly. There are so many choices and decisions to make—do your loved ones even know what you want? Leaving instructions and paying in advance will remove the burden for adult children trying to know what you wanted and dealing with the expense of paying for a funeral.

Digging through a loved one’s credit card bills, cellphone accounts, bank accounts and internet passwords is a big challenge in today’s digital world. It was far easier when there were stacks of paper for every account. Today’s executors need to have all of this information to avoid lost assets, avoid identity theft and prevent roadblocks to wrapping up your estate.

Here’s a checklist to help get your estate plan moving forward.

1 Create a crisis notebook. One binder with all estate planning documents will make it easier for loved ones. You should make additional copies but keep originals in one place—and tell your executor where the binder can be found. Create a worksheet of your many documents, so loved ones will know what they are looking for.

2 Have an advance directive created while you are having your estate plan made. This tells your loved ones what you want in case of incapacity and end-of-life decisions.

3 Have a will created with an experienced estate planning attorney. Without a will, the laws of your state determine how your property is distributed and who raises your minor children. Wills are state-specific, so a local estate planning attorney is your best resource. Be wary of online documents—if they are deemed invalid, it will be as if you didn’t have a will.

4 Make a digital estate plan. No doubt you have more than one email account, shopping accounts with more than a few retailers, credit cards, car leases or loans, home mortgage payments, social media, cloud storage, gaming accounts and more. Without a complete and comprehensive list of all accounts, your executor won’t know what needs to be closed, where your personal documents or photos live or how to retrieve them.

5 Plan your funeral. Yes, it is a little morbid, but do you want your loved ones to have to incur the cost and the emotional burden of planning, when you can do it for them? You’ll feel better knowing your wishes will be followed, whether it’s for a “green” funeral or a cremation, with a long period of mourning following your faith’s tradition or a short memorial service.

6 Write a letter of intent and any final farewells. This is an opportunity to share your thoughts with those you love, with healthcare providers and anyone else who matters to you, about healthcare decisions at end of life, or to convey your values, hopes and dreams for those you love.

When you take these steps for end-of-life planning, you’ll be surprised at the sense of relief you feel. If you would like to learn more about end-of-life planning, please visit our previous posts.

Reference: The Washington Post (Jan. 5, 2023) “6 joyful steps for end-of-life planning”

Steps to Minimize Inheritance Battles

December 1, 2022

There are steps to take to minimize, if not eliminate the likelihood of inheritance battles. Inheritance battles can create new conflicts, inflame long-standing resentments and squander assets intended to make heir’s lives better. What can families do to prevent estate battles when a loved one’s intentions aren’t accepted is the question asked by the recent article, “Warning Signs Of Estate Disputes—And Ways to Avoid Them,” from mondaq.com.

Here are the more common scenarios leading to family estate battles:

Siblings who are always fighting over something
Second or third marriages
Disparate treatment of children, whether real or perceived
Mental illness or additional issues
Isolation or estrangement
Economic hardship

The most important step to begin is to have an estate plan in place, including all the necessary documents to clearly indicate your wishes. You may want to include a letter of intent, which is not a legally enforceable document. However, it can support the wishes expressed in estate planning documents.

Update the Estate Plan. Does your estate plan still achieve the desired outcome? This is especially important if the family has experienced big changes to finances or relationships. An estate plan from ten years ago may not reflect current circumstances.

Make Distributions Now. For some families, giving with “warm hands” is a gratifying experience and can remove wealth from the estate to avoid battles as everything’s already been given away. The pleasure of seeing families enjoy the fruits of your labor is not to be underestimated, like a granddaughter who is able to buy a home of her own or an entrepreneurial loved one getting help in a business venture.

Appoint a Non-Family Member as a Trustee. Warring factions within a family are not likely to resolve things on their own, especially when cash is at stake. Appointing a family member as a trustee could cause them to become a lightning rod for all of the family’s tensions. Without the confidence of beneficiaries, accusations of self-dealing or an innocent mistake could lead to litigation. Removing the emotions by having a non-family member serve as a professional trustee can lessen suspicion and decrease the chances of legal disputes.

Communicate, with a facilitator, if necessary. Families with a history of disputes often do better when a professional is involved. Depending on the severity of the dynamics, this could range from annual meetings with an estate planning attorney to explain how the estate plan works and have discussions about the parent’s wishes to monthly meetings with a family counselor.

A No-Contest Clause. For some families, a no-contest clause in the will can head off any issues from the start. If people are especially litigious, however, this may not be enough to stop them from pursuing a case. An experienced estate planning attorney will be able to recommend the use of this provision, based on knowing the family and how much wealth is involved.

Addressing the problem now. The biggest mistake is to sweep the issue under the proverbial rug and “let them fight over it when I’m gone.” A better legacy is to address the problem of the family squabbles and know you’ve done the right thing.

Taking steps to minimize inheritance battles can reduce the stress you may feel as we head into the holiday season. These efforts to bring families together and prepare for the future will allow parents, children and grandchildren to enjoy their time together. If you would like to learn more about inheritance issues, please visit our previous posts.

Reference: mondaq.com (Nov. 4, 2022) “Warning Signs Of Estate Disputes—And Ways to Avoid Them”

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Firearms can be included in your Estate Plan

June 27, 2022

It’s common to focus on the big assets when creating an estate plan, like the family home, investment accounts and life insurance, but personal property also needs to be addressed, especially if the items are of great value or if ownership is complicated. This is especially the case regarding firearms, discussed in a recent article, “In the Crosshairs: Guns in Estate Planning” from The National Law Review. Firearms can be included in your estate plan.

Your executor, personal representative or successor trustee is the person who takes on the fiduciary role of administering your estate, according to the directions in your last will and testament. What seems like a relatively simple transfer of your favorite shotgun to a family member could lead to serious legal problems, if the family member is a “prohibited person.”

The Gun Control Act of 1968 made it unlawful for certain people to ship, transport, receive or possess firearms or ammunition. This group includes persons with mental illness, felons, dishonorable discharges or domestic violence convictions. Unless your executor knows the family member and can confirm they do not belong to any of these categories, the transfer and receipt of the firearm could constitute criminal behavior.

Geography could be an issue as well. A federal firearms license holder must be used to transfer the firearm, if the recipient lives in a different state. Since guns laws vary widely throughout the US, transfers are not straightforward. Something perfectly legal in one state may be a felony in another.

Laws about guns and related devices change also. After a mass shooting event in Las Vegas in 2017, the bump stock, a device used to allow more shots to be fired from an assault weapon was made illegal and owners were advised to surrender or destroy any bump stocks in their possession. If the fiduciary doesn’t know anything about firearms, they may unwittingly commit a felony.

The risks of transferring firearms can be addressed with informed planning. Gun trusts are used to protect and plan, especially for unique items like registered machine guns, suppressors, short barrel rifles and short barrel shotguns.

Firearms can be included in your estate plan. In recent years, the gun trust use has expanded to collectible firearms to preserve their use for future generations. Collectable firearms often are as expensive as collectible cars, so care must be taken to properly preserve and transfer them.

If firearms are in your home and you wish to pass them along to another family member, the best way to do this is with the help of an experienced estate planning attorney who can create a gun trust and help determine if the intended heir is permitted to inherit a gun. If you would like to learn more about addressing personal property in your planning, please visit our previous posts.

Reference: The National Law Review (May 10, 2022) “In the Crosshairs: Guns in Estate Planning”

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Conducting an Estate Inventory is Vital

June 1, 2022

When a loved one dies, it may be necessary for their estate to go through probate—a court-supervised process in which his or her estate is settled, outstanding debts are paid and assets are distributed to the deceased person’s heirs. An executor is tasked with overseeing the probate process. An important task for an executor is submitting a detailed inventory of the estate to the probate court. Conducting an estate inventory is vital to ensuring your probate is not problematic.

Yahoo Finance’s recent article entitled “What Is Included in an Estate Inventory?” looks at the estate inventory. During probate, the executor is charged with several duties, including collecting assets, estimating the fair market value of all assets in the estate, ascertaining the ownership status of each asset and liquidating assets to pay off outstanding debts, if needed. The probate court will need to see an inventory of the estate’s assets before distributing those assets to the deceased’s heirs.

An estate inventory includes all the assets of an estate belonging to the individual who’s passed away. It can also include a listing of the person’s liabilities or debts. In terms of assets, this would include:

Bank accounts, checking accounts, savings accounts, money market accounts and CDs
Investment accounts
Business interests
Real estate
Pension plans and workplace retirement accounts, such as 401(k)s, 403(b)s and 457 plans
Life insurance, disability insurance, annuities and long-term care insurance
Intellectual property, such as copyrights, trademarks and patents
Household items
Personal effects; and

Here’s what’s included in an estate inventory on the liabilities side:

Home mortgages;
Outstanding business loans, personal loans and private student loans;
Auto loans associated with a vehicle included on the asset side of the inventory
Credit cards and open lines of credit
Any unpaid medical bills
Unpaid taxes; and
Any other outstanding debts, including unpaid court judgments.

There is usually no asset or liability that’s too small to be included in the estate inventory. Working closely with an estate planning attorney to make sure you are conducting an estate inventory is vital to a smooth probate process. If you would like to learn more about probate, please visit our previous posts.

Reference: Yahoo Finance (Feb. 15, 2022) “What Is Included in an Estate Inventory?”

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Category: Letter of Instruction

Estate Planning for a Child with Addiction

Sharing Family Values in Your Estate Plan

Estate Planning for Veterans and Active Military Is Important

When and How to get Letters of Testamentary

Estate Plans Require Preparation for Success

Older Singles need to Plan for the Unexpected

Steps to Take for End-of-Life Planning

Steps to Minimize Inheritance Battles

Firearms can be included in your Estate Plan

Conducting an Estate Inventory is Vital

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