A will is a public document, so, how do you get a copy of someone’s will?

To begin with, no one is given the right to access the last will and testament of someone who is still alive. While living, everyone’s will is their own personal property, and no one else is privy to it.
In regards to gaining access to the will of someone after they pass away, how to accomplish this depends upon whether the will was subject to ...

Having an estate plan in place is critical to ensure your wishes are carried out and that your loved ones are provided for when you pass away. While the creation of a living trust can resolves a number of legal and financial questions, sometimes people do not consider their pets.

Many people overlook their pets in their estate plan because they assume they will outlive the pet, but as one reaches his or her 70s and beyond, that is ...

Whether or not you have a will, your estate will go through probate. Probate is a court proceeding that formally distributes the assets from an estate when a person dies. Assets will include any property, bank accounts, investment accounts, and more. During the probate process, the court will examine the validity of the will and determine who will be the executor. Probate can be a very frustrating time, and can take years. Plus, it’s very costly.

During probate proceedings the assets ...

Estate taxes are commonly referred to as “the death tax.” While it’s quite a morbid term, it’s something you need to be prepared for. Will your loved ones be prepared to pay the tax expenses when you pass away? Do you know the value of your estate? These are important questions when concerned about the estate tax.

The estate tax, also known as the death tax, is the tax the government imposes on the transfer of the taxable estate of a ...

Grantor trusts relate to the taxation of a trust’s income and the protection of estate assets. Grantor trusts will notate who pays the tax on income generated by the trust and also to insulate the estate’s assets from the Grantor.

One of the main purposes of an grantor trust is to help ease tax burdens. The trustee will have to pay income taxes, but will gain control over the trust property. These types of trusts must be done by the grantor ...

Estate planning is an important process that needs to be carried out correctly for the sake of the ones you love. After all, when you pass away, they will be the ones left to tend to your affairs. By properly structuring your estate plan, your family will be better protected and better prepared for the future.

No matter what your personal situation, everyone should have a will. A will is vital so that your wishes are carried out correctly. It is ...