An estate plan is not like a pint of milk. There is no expiration date. However, while it can have a long life (all the way until you die), you might want to replace it with a fresh one every so often. Why do this if it does not expire? Because your situation will...
Estate Planning
Why do you need a residuary clause in your will?
No matter how detailed you are in your will about listing the beneficiaries of your various assets, you’re sure to leave something out. Even if you neglect nothing when you draft your will, you’ll likely accumulate other assets later. You don’t want to modify your...
What’s the best way to help fund your grandkids’ education?
An important part of estate planning is thinking about what kind of legacy you want to pass on to your children, grandchildren and generations to come. Many grandparents believe the best way to help ensure that their grandchildren get the best possible opportunities...
2 signs that undue influence over a senior may be at play
Estate planning can benefit anyone, but it is often elderly and potentially vulnerable people who take center stage. There are so many different estate planning documents that serve numerous purposes. It’s vital that estate planning meets the needs of your loved one,...
3 qualities of a good executor
Good estate planning can make the lives of your family easier after you pass away. You need the right person to handle your estate so your heirs get everything in pristine condition. An executor of an estate handles all the business of protecting and maintaining your...
Should you use a DNR or a medical power of attorney?
You know that it's hard to predict your future, in a medical sense. You want to address this when you're doing your estate planning. One option that you have is to simply use a Do Not Resuscitate order, often called a DNR. This means that you do not want to be kept on...
Will a no-contest clause actually work?
If you don't want anyone to contest your estate plan or start an estate dispute, you might consider using a no-contest clause. The way that this works is by stating that, should someone start such an estate dispute, they forfeit anything that they would have...
What happens when a family member leaves more than one will?
A will is one of the most crucial documents someone ever writes. It represents a final opportunity to communicate their wishes to those closest to them. It says something about who they were, the life they led and the way they choose to be remembered. Unfortunately,...
Is adding a codicil enough when updating your Indiana will?
As you know, human lives are fluid, with many changes occurring as we go through life. Babies are born, loved ones die, and relationships end, all of which can make your estate plan, especially your final will, fail to function as intended. Most Carmel, Indiana...
Planning for a good death: What you can do
The end of someone’s life is no less significant than its beginning, and that’s why an entire industry – complete with guidelines – has grown up around end-of-life care. Palliative and hospice programs are supposed to help manage and ease the passing of patients in...