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When Does a Power of Attorney Fail to Do Its Job?

Every estate plan should have a power of attorney, in which you give one or more people authority to act as agents on your behalf when you aren’t able to.

Posted on: February 26, 2021

What’s the Difference between Per Stirpes vs. Per Capita in Estate Planning?

Here’s a closer look at what per stirpes vs. per capita means.

Posted on: February 25, 2021

Can You Be Forced to Inherit a Timeshare?

Many timeshare contracts include a perpetuity clause, which means the contract and all its fees and obligations are yours for life. It may not end there.

Posted on: February 24, 2021

Can You Amend a Power of Attorney?

If the durable power of attorney can't be transferred, what needs to be done to establish a new durable power of attorney for my aunt despite her mental incapacity?

Posted on: February 24, 2021

How Do You Plan for the Death of a Spouse?

Beneficiary designations, tying up loose ends, reporting last wishes—here’s what you can do now.

Posted on: February 22, 2021

Every Adult Needs a Will and a Health Care Power of Attorney

A serious illness can happen at any age, but just 18% of those 55 and older have a living will, power of attorney for health care and a last will and testament, according to a 2019 study by Merrill Lynch Wealth Management. AZ Central’s recent article entitled “What to know about wills and health care…

Posted on: February 19, 2021

How Much Tax Do You Pay on Inheritance?

The death of a loved one is always a difficult time. The last thing most people want when they're grieving is to have to deal with the IRS and state tax officials.

Posted on: February 18, 2021

When Did You Last Review Beneficiary Designation Forms?

When it comes to your retirement accounts, do you know who your beneficiaries are? These types of accounts have complex distribution rules and significant tax implications for those who inherit them. This complexity is compounded, if there are errors or missing information on your beneficiary forms, as is often the case. Add to this the game-changer SECURE ACT, the largest retirement legislation that has been passed in decades—and there has never been a more important time to review your beneficiary forms.

Posted on: February 16, 2021

Should You Gift Stocks as Part of Your Estate Plan?

Gifting stock to family members may lack the pizzazz of leaving a luxury car adorned with a bow in the driveway, but it’s a gift that can add value to their lives long after most other gifts have been forgotten.

Posted on: February 15, 2021

Can Unmarried Couples have an Estate Plan?

The couple needs to create an appropriate estate plan. If they truly want inheritance rights, they need to execute testamentary documents, such as wills.

Posted on: February 14, 2021