Estate Planning
Estate planning is the process of deciding what happens to a person's property and care if they die or become unable to decide for themselves. It involves legal documents, taxes, and family decisions. State law governs most of it, with federal tax rules layered on top, and courts step in when plans are missing or disputed.
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Topics in Estate Planning
Planning ahead
Wills and Trusts covers documents that say who receives property. Healthcare Directives covers written wishes about medical care. Transfer of Assets covers how property and gifts pass to others, along with taxes.
After a death
Estate Administration covers settling debts, taxes, and property once someone has died.
All Articles on Estate Planning
FEMA Funeral Assistance: How to Apply for Disaster-Related Death Benefits
The Federal Emergency Management Agency offers financial assistance for funeral expenses when a death is the direct result of a presidentially declared disaster. This…
DNR Orders and Living Wills: What Every Patient Should Know
Advance care planning is a fundamental right and an act of personal control that ensures your medical treatment matches your values when you cannot…
Creating a Will: Legal Assistance for Service Members
Having a legally valid Last Will and Testament is a critical step for every U.S. service member. It ensures personal wishes regarding property and…
Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP): Protecting Your Family After Service
Military retired pay stops when a retiree dies. This can create a significant financial gap for surviving spouses and children. The Survivor Benefit Plan…
Navigating Taxes for Deceased Relatives
Dealing with the financial affairs of a loved one who has passed away is challenging, and tax obligations are a critical part of those…
Guide to Inheritance Taxes: Who Pays, How Much
How estate and inheritance taxes differ, who actually pays each one, how the federal exemption and portability work, and which states tax an inheritance.
Maximizing Tax-Free Gifting
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) defines a gift broadly. It includes any transfer of property—including money, the use of property, or income derived from…