Author Archives: Jeff McKenna
Estate Planning in Uncertain Times
Getting your affairs in order creates a sense of peace. This can be especially true given the current uncertainties related to the Coronavirus. Here a three planning tools that bring greater peace of mind.
What is a Beneficiary Designation?
Beneficiary designations are contracts generally not governed by a will or trust such as life insurance policies, annuity contracts, IRAs, and other retirement plans.
Which is Better? Will vs. Trust
The revocable trust (aka “living trust” or “family trust”) is a popular way to plan for your future. However, despite the popularity, trusts are not without potential problems. In deciding what is best for your family and estate, here is some basic information about revocable trusts.
Disinheriting Family
A parent does not normally decide that they just want to disinherit a child. Almost always, the child has taken actions to distance themselves from their parents and family.
What Happens: No Will, No Trust
Even if you have never signed a will or trust, you have an estate plan. Some of you may be asking, “How?” The answer is the state has a “default estate plan” for those without their own.
Planning for Incapacity
In doing estate planning, it is essential to plan not only for death — but for life.
Estate Planning for Blended Families
Doing proper estate planning for a “yours, mine and ours” family presents many special challenges. This article sets forth problems and provides solutions for what spouses can do when addressing concerns related to blended families.
Is a Living Trust Right for You?
The use of a revocable trust (sometimes referred to as a “living trust” or “family trust”) to plan one’s estate has become very popular. Despite the popularity of the revocable trust, revocable trusts are not without their potential problems.
Trust Disputes vs. Probate
A will or living trust may also create a separate trust when one spouse dies, in order to shield up a significant portion of the estate from later estate taxes. Such trusts are designed to save money by avoiding probate fees and delays, and by deferring or reducing estate taxes.
