There are some activities that you engage in with the full knowledge that these are ongoing processes, and others that would seem like one-time events. Because a lot of people put off planning their estates for any number of reasons, when they finally get around to it drawing up a plan can seem like a […]

When you are inventorying your assets as you plan your estate, it is a good feeling to recognize that you are in a position to give something back through ongoing charitable giving. Giving to your favorite charities is indeed its own reward, and there are those who feel that a growing wave of philanthropy may […]

Are you in the beginning of your estate planning process? If so, here is an essential checklist to guide you through the process of creating a Last Will and Testament. Enumerate Your Belongings The first step of the estate planning process is to list your estate holdings. When you list your assets you will also […]

Did you now that a Reciprocal Will is sometimes called an “I Love You Will”? This is because each spouse creates a Will that leave everything to the other spouse upon death. If you have an “I Love You Will”, you should know the truth about your Will and what it does and doesn’t do. […]

If you haven’t created a Last Will and Testament or another estate document such as a Living Trust, to settle your affairs, you should be aware of what will happen to your estate when you pass away. The good news is that, if you have not done a will for yourself, the state of Mississippi […]

When creating an estate plan, it is important to consider all of your options. If you are married, you may want to think about an A/B Trust. This Trust will divide your assets into two shares – the “A” share and the “B” share, at the first of you or your spouse to die. Doing […]

If you believe a loved one has passed away and left behind an invalid Last Will and Testament, you may be able to issue a challenge to that document. You can, however, only issue a challenge if you are an heir-at-law or if you were a previous beneficiary, but have been removed from the current […]

In 1999-2001 around thirty percent of nursing homes had faced at least one claim of elder abuse. Elder abuse is any act of neglect or physical, verbal, or financial abuse against an elderly person. This abuse may occur in a skilled nursing facility or even at home. What to Look For If you have an […]

Leaving an inheritance for your family is a great way to ensure they will be financially secure after you pass away. If, however, your net worth is high and your estate will owe taxes, your family’s inheritance may be affected. In 2011, the federal estate tax rate is expected to be 55% for all assets […]

If you or another family member has ever endured probate, you know that this court-supervised process can take a great deal of time and money. For a couple of extreme examples, I am currently involved in two probates that have both been open for over 5 years, and are only just now getting closed. While […]