Indianapolis estate planning attorneys will always remind their clients that estate planning is an ongoing effort. Things don't stand still, and as time marches on events invariably take place that render your existing estate plan obsolete. If you procrastinate about making the necessary adjustments you could be placing your family members at risk on one level or another. With the above in mind you would do well to understand the fact that there are some estate tax parameter … [Read more...] about Estate Tax Parameter Changes Loom
Estate Planning
Beware Of Transfer On Death Accounts
People sometimes pick up on ideas that circulate regarding estate planning without obtaining professional advice. As a result they may take particular actions that are not going to serve the best interests of their families in the long run. Legal assistance is essential when you are serious about making preparations for the future. A little bit of information is a dangerous thing and when you proceed without the guidance of an Indianapolis estate planning attorney your family may … [Read more...] about Beware Of Transfer On Death Accounts
Author's Muddled Estate Provides A Useful Lesson
They say that experience is the best teacher, and if you have been around the block a few times you are well aware of how true this can be. However, in addition to the hard experiences that you have had directly you can sometimes learn from the experiences of others. This is true when you look at the estate planning mishaps of some celebrities and other high profile individuals. With the above in mind let's look back to 2004 when the author Stieg Larsson passed away. He … [Read more...] about Author's Muddled Estate Provides A Useful Lesson
A Tailor Made Plan
A lot of people like to roll up their sleeves and do things for themselves these days, and DIY projects can indeed be fun and rewarding. The trick is to know where to draw the line because you could think you're saving money by tackling a task when in fact in the long run it winds up costing you more than it saves. This is definitely true when it comes to estate planning. There are entities out there that will sell you generic legal documents. They say that you can plan your … [Read more...] about A Tailor Made Plan
Making Provisions For Man's Best Friend
If you are like a lot of Americans, you may have a loyal four-legged friend by your side, and indeed dogs are fantastic companions. In the eyes of your dog you are the most important person in the world and there is no denying that it is a good feeling to be held in such high esteem, even if it is coming from a canine point of view. All kidding aside, pets are obviously valuable to people of all ages but owning a dog can be especially good for senior citizens. It is not uncommon … [Read more...] about Making Provisions For Man's Best Friend
Long-Term Business Planning
Long-term financial planning is important for all serious minded individuals. If you want to be able to provide your children with opportunities for higher education and then subsequently have the resources that you need to retire in comfort you have to plan ahead intelligently. If you just go forward groping in the dark step-by-step you may find yourself in a difficult position later on in your life. Along the way you may not be able to provide for your children in the manner … [Read more...] about Long-Term Business Planning
The Implications Of Dying Intestate
In spite of the fact that estate planning is one of the foundational responsibilities that go along with adulthood, only around half of Americans have any type of an estate plan in place. The term that is utilized to describe the condition of dying without a will or any other type of estate planning document directing the transfer of your assets is "intestacy." If you were to pass away intestate, the probate court would be charged with the responsibility of sorting out your final … [Read more...] about The Implications Of Dying Intestate
Is Your Estate Plan Up To Date?
When you get the oil in your car changed, they place a little sticker in the corner of the windshield to remind you of when you need to bring the car back in for another lube. When you plan your estate initially there is no such sticker attached to your documents, but you should recognize the fact that periodic updates are very likely to be necessary. With it being a new year, you may want to consider an annual estate plan review. As we all know, there are things that happen in … [Read more...] about Is Your Estate Plan Up To Date?
Acceptance, Recognition, & Action
Statistics tell us that a surprising number of Americans are going through life without executing any estate planning documents. Less than half of adults have an estate plan in place, and one of the reasons for this is because of the fact that they are uncomfortable with the subject of death. How you feel about this emotionally or spiritually is a purely personal matter. But from a practical perspective, statistics indicate that no less than 100% of Americans will die someday. … [Read more...] about Acceptance, Recognition, & Action
Blended Family Solution
Because of the high incidence of divorce in the United States at the present time there are a lot of blended families out there, and there are many different types of scenarios to address in an estate planning context. We are going to take a look at a relatively common one here and offer a typically utilized solution. To explain by way of example, let's say that you married your childhood sweetheart and had three children along the way. You accumulated assets as a couple and you … [Read more...] about Blended Family Solution
