When the ‘Queen of Soul’ Aretha Franklin died last year, it was believed that she hadn’t prepared any kind of estate plan, including a last will and testament. However, a few months ago, three handwritten wills were found in her home near Detroit. Two were in a locked closet and one was stuffed beneath the cushions of a couch!
Leaving a legacy — sounds like something only wealthy people can do, right? It can be something like making a giant bequest to a university or passing on a significant estate to your children.
After decades of financial independence, many adults cannot imagine a future in which they can no longer perform daily financial tasks without help.
Estate planning involves planning for how an individual’s assets will be preserved and managed.
The state will most likely be happy to do it for you after you die. If you do not have a will or an estate
Selecting appropriate guardians will ensure that your minor children are cared for, if you pass away.
Here are a few things to avoid on your way to an appointment with a qualified estate planning attorney to discuss your own estate plan, and a couple of others to keep in mind once you get there.
Dealing with the death of a parent is challenging but selling their home can be fraught with land mines, particularly if they die without a will.
Although we all like to make our own decisions, there may come a time when we no longer have that luxury.
You may have a will or a full estate plan that was prepared by an attorney in another state, or perhaps you haven’t yet taken the important step of planning your estate.