One of the biggest concerns a trust creator might have is that the beneficiary would squander their inheritance or that the beneficiary’s creditor would attach the inheritance to cover the beneficiary’s debt.
Do I need a trust in case something happens to me?
It may seem like a grim way to spend your free time, but planning your estate when you are young can actually give you the peace of mind you will need to enjoy your golden years in the future.
Understanding what happens to your debt when you die is an important part of estate planning—and you don’t have to be rich to have an estate. Everything you own and owe makes up your estate. For many people, that includes a house with a mortgage.
My sister passed away. Her only possession was her home, which still has a mortgage and she left it to my son and daughter, her niece and nephew. What inheritance tax will there be?
Many of our parents completed their estate plans decades ago. The documents may still be valid. However, if they are stale or outdated, you may spend significant money trying to use them down the road.
If you don’t have a spouse or children, you might think you don’t need to do much estate planning. However, if you have any assets, any familial connections, any interest in supporting charitable groups – not to mention a desire to control your own future – you do need to establish an estate plan.
Ensuring that your wishes on your medical care are followed, is up to you. Take action now while you’re well, or you could later lose a say in the matter during a crucial time.
Americans have been living through a ‘golden age’ of estate planning, but it’s coming to an end, says one consultant to ultra-high-net-worth families and family offices.
Over the years I get all kinds of questions from people. And boy, have I heard some doozies. But one common one I get is called the ‘lazy (or poor) man’s (or woman’s’) estate planning.’ This type of estate planning has some very negative tax consequences.
