A power of appointment adds a layer of adaptability to your estate plan. It allows you to name someone who can later decide how to allocate specific assets, offering both flexibility and responsiveness to changing family dynamics or tax considerations. This can be especially helpful in blended families or when future circumstances are hard to predict.
When planning your estate, selecting the right type of trust is essential for fulfilling your wishes distributing your assets according to your desires. Two common types of trusts are testamentary trusts and revocable living trusts. While both serve the purpose of managing and distributing assets, they have distinct differences in terms of creation, administration, and functionality. Understanding these differences can help you make an informed decision best suiting your estate planning needs. Testamentary Trusts A testamentary trust is created within…
Testamentary trusts also known as contingent trusts are powerful tools in estate planning. This type of trusts offers individuals the ability to maintain control over their assets after their passing. Often overlooked or misunderstood, testamentary trusts provide a means to distribute assets according to specific wishes, and protect beneficiaries. Most often this type of trust is used by families with minor children or young adults. What are Testamentary Trusts (a.k.a. Contingent Trusts) ? A testamentary trust (or contingent trust) is…
The passing of a loved one is a challenging time. Legal and financial matters can further complicate the situation. Many individuals opt for estate planning tools such as revocable trusts to simplify the distribution of assets after their passing. While a fully funded revocable trust may offer benefits such as avoiding probate; it’s essential to understand certain advantages of the probate process can be lost in this approach. Namely, protecting the estate from creditors’ claims by barring them from making…
Blended families bring unique challenges when it comes to estate planning. Parents have to navigate complexity of managing assets and ensuring the well-being of children. It can be overwhelming to with all the various options available. By understanding and putting into place some common estate planning strategies, blended families can ensure that their assets are protected and distributed according to their wishes. Not every strategy may be necessary for your particular circumstances. But having a good understanding of the options…