A so-called sweetheart will describe an estate plan in which the first spouse to die leaves everything to his or her surviving spouse. When the second spouse dies, the couple's children divide the remaining assets. Review these considerations if you and your spouse...
No matter the reasons people give to charities, most want to make their donations as powerful as possible. Estate planning has the potential to increase the effectiveness of charitable gifts through specific legal tools designed to maximize benefits. These measures...
North Carolina residents who work hard to ensure they have a comfortable retirement are often surprised about how much taxes can cut into their funds. While virtually everyone can benefit from tax planning, it is essential if you have a significant estate. According...
If you choose to handle the North Carolina estate of a deceased loved one, there are many responsibilities you might face, including estate administration. When an individual dies without a will, the process is usually more complicated than when the deceased made...
In addition to estate planning documents like wills and trusts, you must also protect your assets in other ways. Naming a financial power of attorney is an essential part of estate planning. While other methods protect your estate after you are gone, a power of...
Creating your estate plan is a big step in end of life planning. But once you create it, you have to maintain upkeep. After all, your estate plan must reflect your life circumstances, which constantly change. So when should you update your plan? Is there anything in...
Individuals and families who give to charity want to support a worthy cause as well as maximize the use of their money. Donors also experience a number of intangible benefits related to the act of giving. It pays for donors to find out ways to get the most out of a...
If your child has physical or mental health concerns that result in special medical and educational needs, he or she may need extra support even as an adult. Providing for your child with special needs in your estate plan can give you peace of mind in case you can no...
If you have a special needs relative or a loved one in declining health, the subject of a guardianship has probably come up. It is natural to agonize over this decision since appointing a guardian will take away a lot of rights your relative used to enjoy....
Even with a last will and testament in place, you may still want to create a living trust. While a will dictates what you would like done with your assets and property once you pass, names guardians and appoints an executor to look over the estate, a living trust can...
