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Estate Planning Tips for Blended Families to Protect New Goals and Loved Ones

February 9, 2024
Estate planning for blended families presents unique challenges. Unlike traditional family structures, reports Barrons recent article titled, “When Remarrying Creates a Blended Family: Advice From Financial Pros,” blended families often involve complex relationships and diverse financial backgrounds, making the process of estate and financial planning more intricate. This article has tips for blended families on identifying overall estate planning goals and concerns and identifying heirs to protect your new family and future.
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Should You Have a Revocable Trust?

February 8, 2024
There is a lot of confusion out there about the difference between a revocable and an irrevocable trust.
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How Does a Pour-Over Will Work?- 2

February 7, 2024
For those who want to avoid the court-controlled process that takes place after a person’s death (known as “probate”)—using a Revocable Living Trust is typically the best way to do so.
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Why You Should Consider a Living Trust for Your Estate Planning

February 6, 2024
When it comes to estate planning, many people think of a will as the go-to document for ensuring that their assets are distributed according to their wishes after they pass away. However, a living trust can often be a more effective tool for many individuals, offering benefits that a will cannot provide. In this article, we’ll explore why you should consider a living trust to be a cornerstone of your estate planning strategy. What Is a Living Trust? A living trust is a legal document that places your assets into a trust for your benefit during your lifetime and then…
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Navigating Business Succession: A Comprehensive Approach

February 5, 2024
As business owners focus on day-to-day operations and growth, the thought of leaving or selling their business often takes a backseat. However, as Frank Fantozzi, a certified exit planning adviser, emphasizes, “for most owners, the business is their largest asset.” This makes succession planning an exit strategy and a crucial part of overall business planning. The Importance of Early Succession Planning in Business Strategy Succession planning should be an integral part of a business’s foundation. Delaying this process can lead to complications, especially when unforeseen circumstances like the “5Ds” – death, disability, divorce, disagreement and distress – arise. Early planning…
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What Kind of Trust Works Best for Your Estate Plan?

February 4, 2024
Trusts are common. However, there are numerous variations, and there is still considerable confusion about what is legal and what is not.
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Pitfalls of Do-It-Yourself Estate Planning: Should I Use a DIY Trust?

February 3, 2024
Estate planning is a critical component of financial stability, ensuring that your wishes are honored in life and after death. In this digital age, online platforms offering do-it-yourself legal documentation have gained popularity, tempting many to wonder, "Should I use a DIY trust?" While these services seem convenient and cost-effective, they often fall drastically short of a reliable estate plan created by a seasoned attorney. Using a DIY trust can lead to numerous legal complications, emotional distress and financial loss. Do You Need a Will or a Living Trust? Understanding the Difference A living…
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How Marital Trusts Help Protect Blended Families

February 2, 2024
Understanding marital trusts is crucial for couples looking to secure their financial future and provide for the surviving spouse tax-efficiently. This article is a guide to marital trusts, how they work and their advantages and disadvantages. With the potential to safeguard assets and ensure that they reach the intended beneficiaries, marital trusts can be an effective part of a comprehensive estate plan, particularly for those in a second marriage or a blended family. What Is a Marital Trust? A marital trust is a type of irrevocable trust and is crafted to benefit…
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Make a New Year's Resolution to Do Your Estate Planning in 2024

January 31, 2024
Creating or reviewing an estate plan is something that many people know they should do but often put off. It’s natural to say things like: “I’ll take care of it later,” or “I don’t have enough money to have an estate plan.” However, life and circumstances happen that may be out of your control. Every adult needs…
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Protecting Your Assets from Nursing Home Costs

January 28, 2024
Elder law attorneys see firsthand the financial strain that nursing home expenses can place on families. With the rising costs of long-term care and the complexities of becoming eligible for Medicaid benefits, it’s crucial to understand how to protect your nest egg. This article sheds light on the financial strain many Americans face regarding elder care costs. Using planning methods to preserve your hard-earned assets while ensuring quality care for yourself or your loved ones by working with an experienced elder law attorney is crucial. Start the discussion early with your spouse or family about ways to protect your assets…
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805 Bigley Avenue
Charleston, WV 25302

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