What Is Estate Planning?
Estate planning is a process to consider alternatives for, to think through, and to set up legally effective arrangements that would meet your specific wishes if something happens to you or those …
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How to Obtain a Death Ceritifcate
When you are helping to wrap up the affairs of the deceased, you will probably need a death certificate to get access to bank accounts, safety deposit boxes and insurance proceeds. It is …
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What Sorts Of Instructions Are Made As Part Of An Estate Plan?
An estate plan consists of one or more documents that set forth instructions. Some documents are used to control health care decisions, others control your property in the event of your incapacity, …
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How to Prove and Recover Damages for Trust Mismanagement
When a trust is created, the settlor, or creator of the trust, appoints a trustee who is legally responsible for administering the trust for the benefit of the trust beneficiaries. The trustee has a fiduciary duty to act in good faith and in the best interests of the beneficiaries. The trustee often has a lot of power. For example, it is the trustee who is responsible for investing …
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What are the potential pitfalls of annuities?
Although annuities have their advantages, in terms of tax-deferred growth and an unlimited contribution levels, annuities also have a number of pitfalls that you must be aware of before you opt to purchase an annuity. If you rely on annuities as an estate or retirement planning tool, you may encounter limited investment opportunities, high costs and fees, an uncertain death benefit, and …
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