Estate Planning

Most people recognize the importance of estate planning; however, those same people often fall victim to the numerous and varied myths and misconceptions about estate planning. To help ensure that you, your family, and your assets are protected, the Indianapolis estate planning attorneys at Frank & Kraft debunk some common estate planning myths. “I Don’t Need an Estate Plan Yet”  One of the biggest estate planning myths is the idea that you need to reach a certain point in your … [Read more...] about Debunking Estate Planning Myths

For most people, a comprehensive estate plan includes numerous legal documents and various ancillary documents. Which of these is the most important estate planning document? For most people a Last Will and Testament provides the foundation on which their estate plan is built; however, a trust agreement may eventually be just as important. The Indianapolis estate planning attorneys at Frank & Kraft explains which document is the most important one in your estate plan. Your Last Will and … [Read more...] about Which Document Is More Important in My Estate Plan — a Will or a Living Trust?

Every American owes a debt of gratitude to the millions of men and women who currently serve or who have served in the United States military. Without their dedication and sacrifice, and that of their families, we would not enjoy the benefits and freedom many of us take for granted as Americans. To show support for our military families, we celebrate Military Appreciation Month every May. The Indianapolis estate planning attorneys at Frank & Kraft offer some suggestions for how you can take … [Read more...] about How to Take Part in Military Appreciation Month This May

If you prefer not to think about your own funeral and burial, you are hardly alone. Most people don’t want to dwell on the reality of their own mortality. You should, however, know enough about the practical expenses involved in a funeral and burial to recognize the wisdom of including a funeral planning component in your comprehensive estate plan. With that in mind, the Indianapolis estate planning attorneys at Frank & Kraft explain that dying is expensive and why funeral planning should be … [Read more...] about Why Funeral Planning Should Be Part of Your Estate Plan

Once your estate plan is in place, you may feel like you have pertinent, even crucial, information that applies to your estate plan, yet does not fit anywhere in your existing plan. When important information needs to be included in your estate plan but there is nowhere practical to include it, including an explanatory letter with your estate planning documents may be the solution. An Indianapolis estate planning attorney at Frank & Kraft explains how to add explanations or instructions to … [Read more...] about How to Add Explanations or Instructions to Your Estate Plan

For many retirees, Social Security retirement benefits play a significant role in financing their retirement years. If you recently lost a spouse, finances may be especially tight for you, leaving you to wonder whether you are entitled to any assistance based on your deceased spouse’s Social Security benefits. The Indianapolis estate planning attorneys at Frank & Kraft explain when and how you might qualify for your spouse’s Social Security Benefits. Social Security System Basics To … [Read more...] about Can I Qualify for My Spouse’s Social Security Benefits?

Decisions relating to an aging parent’s medical care can often spur conflict among siblings. If you and your siblings cannot agree on an overall plan, or even on a specific medical procedure, for a parent it can present a serious problem. Knowing your practical and legal options when a disagreement occurs can help. With that in mind, the Indianapolis estate planning attorneys at Frank & Kraft discuss options when siblings cannot agree on medical care for a parent. The Problem When you … [Read more...] about Sibling Dilemma: What Can We Do If We Don’t Agree on Medical Care for Our Parent?

The ability to decide what happens to your estate assets after your death was likely a primary motivation for creating your estate plan. If all goes as planned, all your estate assets are eventually transferred to the intended beneficiaries during probate, the legal process that follows your death. What happens though if assets remain unclaimed at the end of probate?  The Indianapolis estate planning attorneys at Frank & Kraft explain what happens to an unclaimed inheritance in … [Read more...] about What Happens to an Inheritance If No One Claims It?

For most people, one of the primary reasons to create an estate plan is to ensure that their estate is distributed according to their wishes after they are gone. Another reason is to reduce the likelihood of confusion and conflict after they are gone. If you have adult children, you undoubtedly want to do all you can to prevent disputes between them as well. With that in mind, the Indianapolis estate planning attorneys at Frank & Kraft offer estate planning tips to prevent sibling … [Read more...] about Estate Planning Tips to Prevent Sibling Disputes

Every American should have a comprehensive estate plan in place. For seniors, the need for planning is heightened. If you are a senior and have yet to create a plan, there is no time like the present to do so. Understanding why an estate plan is so important should provide the motivation to get you started. The Indianapolis estate planning attorneys at Frank & Kraft explain what seniors need to know about estate planning. Why Is Estate Planning Crucial for Older Americans? When you … [Read more...] about What Seniors Need to Know about Estate Planning