When a child is preparing to leave for college, both the student and the parent may face a period of uncertainty. For many students, college is their first experience living independently. That independence extends beyond just living away from home. It may include having new financial accounts, credit cards, electronic devices, school portals, and online […]
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How Do I Donate My Organs When I Die?
If you want to donate your organs when you die, you have to think about exactly what you want, legally document your wishes, and communicate them to loved ones who will carry them out. Organ donation is one of the most regulated aspects of the healthcare industry, with unique legal considerations. Nearly every state has […]
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Making Sense of Per Stirpes, by Representation, and Per Capita Distributions
“That’s not fair!” is a common child’s refrain as they advocate for themselves or express what they feel to be unjust. This pursuit of fairness, however, often follows families into adulthood, and it can resurface with real consequences when an estate plan is on the table. Ideas about fairness often influence family dynamics and may […]
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Snowbirds: What You Need to Know About Renting Out Your Property
Retreating to a warmer climate for the winter may sound like an ideal way to spend a few months. To help make this dream a reality, some individuals choose to rent out their second homes when they are not in use. Before listing your property for rent, however, consider the financial, legal, tax, insurance, and […]
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Considerations Before You Head South for the Winter
For many snowbirds, cooler weather means it is time to head south. If you are thinking about heading for warmer weather this winter, there are a few things you should consider before hitting the road. Which state do you consider your home? If you split your time between two states, it is important to understand […]
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Choosing the Right People for the Right Roles in Your Estate Plan
If you are single, choosing the people who will serve in your estate plan is far more than a formality. It is one of the most consequential planning decisions you will make. Married individuals often rely on a spouse to act during an emergency, manage financial or healthcare decisions, and handle practical matters after death. […]
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Questions to Ask When Hiring a Fiduciary
A comprehensive estate plan does more than direct who will receive your money and property after your death. It also provides instructions for managing your affairs during your lifetime and identifies the people who will act for you if you are unable to act for yourself. An effective plan generally does the following: Choosing these […]
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When “We’ll Figure It Out” Becomes a Problem
When a parent’s health crisis hits, families often discover that what they thought they had figured out fails to hold up under pressure. Grief, exhaustion, and dysfunctional family dynamics can distort verbal understandings, and good intentions do not translate into legal authority. Meanwhile, hospitals, banks, and insurance companies operate on formal documents instead of family […]
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The Invisible Estate: Do Not Let Your Loyalty Points Die with You
If cash is king and credit is queen, digital rewards points may just be the wildcard of your household finances. While cash represents immediate purchasing power and credit offers leveraged liquidity, rewards points function as a flexible currency that can supplement spending. But unlike cash and credit, they vanish when you die. Most people do […]
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How to Protect Your Great Ideas or Works for Your Family
Your money, home, and vehicles are not the only assets that should be addressed in your estate plan. You should also consider your intellectual property, including any rights and income associated with it. You do not have to be a famous author, painter, or inventor to own valuable intellectual property that could generate income for […]
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