Guardianships
Choosing a guardian for your children is one of the most important decisions you can make. Without a legal designation, the court will decide who will care for your children if you’re unable to do so—a process that may not align with your wishes.
Trust funding checklist
When you create your Revocable Trust, it is important to “fund” your trust, ie: title assets in the name of the trust. Here's a checklist for assets to consider when retitling into the name of a revocable trust, and for those where you may designate the trust as a beneficiary. This list will help streamline the process of funding the trust effectively and ensure assets are correctly designated. Michelle Goff Law will assist at the time the trust is created with all of your real estate. Should you wish for assistance with your other assets, please contact us for pricing information.
This is important to revisit over the years to make sure you haven’t purchased new real estate or opened new bank or financial accounts. If you don’t “fund” your trust, there could be a probate at your death which is what you are trying to avoid by having a trust.
A Compassionate Guide: Steps to Take After the Loss of a Loved One
A Compassionate Guide: Steps to Take After the Loss of a Loved One
Losing someone dear is never easy. During such an emotional time, it can feel overwhelming to manage the practical tasks that follow. This guide is designed to help you navigate these responsibilities step-by-step, so you can focus on healing while ensuring everything is handled with care.
What Happens If You Die Without a Will?
INo Will? Here’s What Happens to Your Estate
When it comes to planning for the future, many people delay writing a will, often underestimating the consequences of passing away without one. If you die without a valid will in place—a situation legally known as "intestate"—the distribution of your assets and the management of your estate may not go as you would have wished.
Let’s explore what happens when you die without a will and how it could impact your loved ones.
Trust Funding - so very important!
In the world of estate planning, a trust can be a powerful tool to ensure that your assets are managed and distributed according to your wishes. However, there's one critical step that many people overlook: funding the trust. If you’ve taken the time to establish a trust, it’s essential to understand why funding it is just as important.
What Does "Funding Your Trust" Mean?
Funding a trust simply means transferring ownership of your assets into the trust’s name. This can include real estate, bank accounts, investments, and personal property. Without proper funding, your trust is like a beautifully constructed house with no furniture—ready for use but unable to serve its intended purpose.
All About Pet Trusts
In a world where our pets are cherished members of the family, planning for their well-being beyond our own lifetimes has become a growing concern. As responsible pet owners, we want to ensure that our furry friends continue to receive the love, care, and support they deserve, even when we're no longer able to provide it ourselves. This is where "pet trusts" come into play—a legal arrangement designed to safeguard the future of our beloved companions.
Estate Planning For Blended Families
Estate planning is a crucial financial step for every individual or family, regardless of their unique circumstances. However, when a family is blended—comprising stepchildren, stepparents, and half-siblings—estate planning can become considerably more complex. The complexities stem from the potential for conflicts of interest and misunderstandings among family members. In this article, we'll explore the challenges that arise when planning your estate in a blended family and provide some strategies to help you navigate them.