More than 50 percent of Americans find estate planning important, yet statistics show only about 33 percent have a will. caring.com Those individuals with a will may have moved to a different state or forgot to update their will after life events such as marriage, divorce, births, and deaths, making it ineffective. One of the …
A will is legally binding when properly filled out, addressing who receives your assets and properties after you die. Your will names a personal representative (executor) who will carry out your directives. In addition to asset distribution, your executor makes a public notice of your death, files your final taxes, and records your will in …
What happens if your loved one dies without making a will, known as intestate? According to your state’s intestacy laws, a probate court will oversee the distribution process of the decedent’s property. Also known as intestate succession, it has similarities to the probate process when a will is present. Still, the terms are not interchangeable—any …
Should Each Child Receive the Same Inheritance? There are many situations in which equal division of assets among children is the obvious and right choice. Yet, in some families, each child receiving the same inheritance can be inappropriate, deplete the estate’s assets due to ensuing litigation, or cause other family issues after you are gone. …
A will is legally binding when properly filled out, addressing who receives your assets and properties after you die. Your will names a personal representative (executor) who will carry out your directives. In addition to asset distribution, your executor makes a public notice of your death, files your final taxes, and records your will in …