You would undoubtedly prefer to spare your loved ones from additional stress and worry following your own death. Unfortunately, there is no way to shield your loved ones from the emotional impact of your passing; however, you can spare them most of the stress and anxiety associated with planning and funding your funeral and burial by planning everything yourself within your estate plan. If you do decide to add a funeral planning component to your estate plan, you may consider a pre-paid funeral … [Read more...] about A Pre-Paid Funeral Plan Might Not Be a Wise Choice
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Is an Oral Will Valid in Indiana?
One of the primary reasons for creating an estate plan is to avoid dying intestate (meaning without a Will or trust in place to distribute estate assets). What happens though, if a loved one who is on the verge of death makes a last-minute oral Will? Is that Will valid? An Indianapolis estate planning attorney at Frank & Kraft explains how Indiana treats an oral Will and whether you can challenge the validity of that Will. The Last-Minute Will Ideally, an estate plan should be … [Read more...] about Is an Oral Will Valid in Indiana?
Estate Planning Steps
Most people acknowledge that having an estate plan in place is important. Despite that acknowledgment, many Americans do not have an estate plan. One reason often given for this apparent contradiction is that the prospect of creating an estate plan can be an intimidating one. Everything from the overall goals you should include in a plan to the documents used in an estate plan are frequently unfamiliar. To help get you started with your estate plan, the Indianapolis estate planning attorneys at … [Read more...] about Estate Planning Steps
How Can Estate Planning Help Avoid Disputes?
Making sure that assets are distributed as intended is the primary motivation for most people to create an estate plan. That same estate plan, however, can provide a variety of additional benefits to you and your family. One important benefit of creating a comprehensive estate plan is that it can dramatically decrease the likelihood of disputes, both while you are alive and after you are gone. To explain, the Indianapolis estate planning attorneys at Frank & Kraft help you understand how … [Read more...] about How Can Estate Planning Help Avoid Disputes?
Why Do Estate Plans Fail?
Creating an estate plan is important; however, making sure that the plan you create works as intended is equally important. Unfortunately, a significant percentage of estate plans fail. Moreover, about 70 percent of estate settlements are followed by asset losses or a reduction in family harmony, according to the 2007 book Estate Planning for the Post-Transition Period by Roy Williams and Vic Preisser. The Indianapolis estate planning attorneys at Frank & Kraft explain why estate plans often … [Read more...] about Why Do Estate Plans Fail?
How to Prepare for the Possibility That You Will Need Long-Term Care
Although you probably hope to spend your final years in the comfort of your own home, the reality is that the longer you live, the better your odds are of needing long-term care. To help you plan for that reality, the Indianapolis Medicaid planning attorneys at Frank & Kraft explain how you can prepare for the possibility that you will need long-term care. Evaluate your health. Although most people cannot predict the need for long-term care (LTC), evaluating the state of your health … [Read more...] about How to Prepare for the Possibility That You Will Need Long-Term Care
Understanding the Disadvantages of Do-It-Yourself (DIY) Estate Planning
If you do not yet have an estate plan in place, you have probably had to listen to well-meaning friends and family members nagging you about getting started on one. They do mean well, and you do realize you need a plan, so why not just use a few “Do-It-Yourself” forms you find on the internet to get your plan started? Although that may sound like a perfect solution, the Indianapolis estate planning attorneys at Frank & Kraft help you understand the disadvantages of DIY estate … [Read more...] about Understanding the Disadvantages of Do-It-Yourself (DIY) Estate Planning
Why Do I Need an Estate Plan?
You may have listened to well-meaning friends and family members tell you how important it is to have an estate plan in place; however, unless you truly understand what an estate plan can do for you, it’s hard to find the motivation to get started on your plan. The good news is that a well-thought-out estate plan can accomplish a wide range of inter-related goals. A better understanding of how an estate plan can protect you, your assets, and your loved ones during your lifetime and beyond … [Read more...] about Why Do I Need an Estate Plan?
Indiana Intestate Succession
You have undoubtedly been told by well-meaning friends and family member how important it is to execute a Last Will and Testament. Unless you understand why that is so important, however, you may lack sufficient motivation to get started on your Will. The Indianapolis estate planning attorneys at Frank & Kraft explain what happens to your estate using the Indiana intestate succession laws. Last Will and Testament Basics A Last Will and Testament is a legal document that allows the … [Read more...] about Indiana Intestate Succession
Reviewing Your Estate Plan for LGBT History Month
Every year in October, the LGBT community and its supporters celebrate LGBT History Month. If you will be among those who are celebrating the importance of LGBT history this October, this is also a great time to focus on your estate plan. LGBT History Month reminds us that while great strides have been made in the fight for equality, protecting yourself, your assets, and your loved ones through comprehensive estate planning remains essential. The Indianapolis estate planning attorneys at … [Read more...] about Reviewing Your Estate Plan for LGBT History Month
