Movies, television, and books like to present wills in dramatic ways--handwritten notes, videos, deathbed utterances--but what actually makes a will valid? The law varies depending on what state you live in, but there are some basic rules.
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If you have been appointed the trustee of a trust, this is a strong vote of confidence in your judgment and trusthworthiness. It is also a major responsibility.
No one wants to face the fact that our loved ones will not be with us forever and facing our own mortality is frightening as well, but it is important to be prepared.
Siblings do not always receive equal shares of a parent's estate. Sometimes the inequality is intentional and sometimes it is accidental. Regardless of how it happens, it can cause arguments among the children.
Trust protectors -- long popular in offshore trusts set up by high rollers -- are now gaining popularity in trusts established here in the U.S. by less affluent folks. . .
We all know we are supposed to do estate planning, but not all of us get around to it. So what happens if you don't have a will when you die?
If you create a trust, you will need a separate person or institution, called a "trustee," to manage the trust either now or in the future, depending on the type of trust.
Some parents, fearful of how a large inheritance will affect their heirs, set up what are known as “incentive trusts” that ensure that the trust funds support positive behavior and discourage unproductive activities.
When one sibling is named in a power of attorney, there is the potential for disputes with other siblings. No matter which side you are on, it is important to know your rights and limitations.
Siblings do not always receive equal shares of a parent's estate. Sometimes the inequality is intentional and sometimes it is accidental. Regardless of how it happens, it can cause arguments among the children.