Category Archives: Estate Planning
What Is a Devise in My Estate Plan?
If you are thinking about creating an estate plan, you may hear some new and confusing terms that make your brain hurt. To add to your bewilderment, not only are some of the words unfamiliar, they may also be homophones—words that are pronounced the same as other words, but have different meanings and spellings…. Read More »
Three Important Concerns Self-Employed Individuals Should Address
Being self-employed is no easy task. You are the owner, and in some cases, the only employee. While you may have more freedom than the average worker, a lot of responsibilities lie on your shoulders. Working together, we can craft a comprehensive estate plan that will help you address three important concerns you may… Read More »
What Happens to Your Venmo, PayPal, and Apple Pay Accounts Upon Your Death?
It has been said that nothing ever dies on the Internet. While this dictum is typically used as a warning that what we put online may come back to haunt us, it is also true that our online accounts can outlive us, and even live in perpetuity. Having a digital estate plan that makes… Read More »
Creating a Living Will
What is a living will? Creating a living will ensures your future healthcare decisions and plans are respected. A living will, also known as an advance directive, is a legal document outlining medical treatment preferences and end-of-life care if you can’t communicate or make decisions for yourself. Everyone should have an advance directive, as… Read More »
Estate Tax vs Inheritance Tax
Estate tax vs inheritance tax… what’s the difference? These two forms of taxation relate to transferring wealth from generation to generation but are entirely different. The federal government levies a tax on all estates when the value meets a certain financial threshold. Twelve states (including Maryland) and the District of Columbia levy additional estate… Read More »
Handling a Loved One’s Digital Footprint After They Die
Most adults have not made a will, let alone created an estate plan addressing their online profiles and accounts (aka their digital footprint). As your online presence grows professionally and personally, taking charge of your digital assets and plans for them after you die becomes important. Some social media companies like Facebook, Instagram, and… Read More »
Are You Single with a Minor Child? If So, You Need a Plan
You have a minor child who depends on you for their survival, so you need to make sure that they will be cared for if you are ever unable to care for them. Estate planning for single parents is critical so you can address your minor child’s care and custody and provide instructions about… Read More »
Why Can’t We Have a Joint Trust If We Are Not Married?
Joint trusts are beneficial for many married couples, especially if they have a stable relationship, do not have many creditors, and do not live in a state where their estate may be subject to a state death tax. Compared to a separate trust, a joint trust is easier to fund, allow the surviving spouse… Read More »
5 Things to Know Before Including a Limited Liability Company in Your Estate Plan
When it comes to protecting your hard-earned money and property, it is important that you have the right plan, which can include a number of tools for your unique situation. One tool that might benefit you is a limited liability company (LLC) that owns some of your accounts and property. What is a limited… Read More »
