When someone mentions “estate planning,” most people think the term refers to deciding what happens to their property after they die. In fact, some of the most important parts of your estate plan protect you — and your family — during your lifetime.
When Should You Make an Estate Plan?
Accidents and medical emergencies give no advance warni…
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The primary goals of estate planning include protecting your family and ensuring that they benefit from your financial legacy. But there is another important purpose behind planning your estate, one that many people do not even consider consciously. Thoughtful and thorough estate planning avoids family conflicts that could ruin relationships irre…
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Wills and trusts are both important estate planning tools. But they accomplish very different goals. If you understand the difference between a will and a trust, you have an excellent foundation for planning your estate.
What Is a Will?
A will is a legal document in which you designate the individuals or organizations that receive your assets a…
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When you create an estate plan, you accomplish a significant goal. You also gain the peace of mind that comes with protecting your financial assets and legacy. However, you can follow up that accomplishment with a major mistake if you do not update your plan when circumstances warrant. But exactly how do you know when to update your estate pl…
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If you own a business, you spend most (or all) of your time running the business. Do you ever consider what would happen to your business without you? You probably don’t — but you really need to consider that possibility. Business succession planning is the best way to plan for unexpected events that can dramatically affect your business.
You…
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Some of the most important documents in a sound estate plan do not relate to what happens to your property after death. Those documents — called durable powers of attorney — protect you and your assets during your lifetime. If you become unable to make your own decisions for any reason, your durable powers of attorney designate someone you ch…
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In our East Valley estate planning practice at Peterson Law Offices, clients often ask about how a revocable living trust works and also wonder if they need one. There isn’t a simple answer to those questions.
Every estate plan is carefully designed to the individual client’s family and financial situation. A revocable living trust is a…
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If you die without a valid will or trust — referred to as dying intestate — Arizona laws make all your decisions for you. That includes determining who gets your money and property. The laws also decide who can make your funeral and burial decisions and arrangements.
In addition, absent a will that gives your directions about what happens aft…
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