My spouse and I have resolved to get our estate planning started this year. I have some friends who did it on their own, and I’m wondering if I can too or if I should use a lawyer.
estate planning - Related Content
Signs it's time to consider a trust
A living trust can be an attractive option to many, allowing for the transfer of asset ownership while maintaining the ability to use the assets as you normally would.
Property Ownership: How Do We Keep Property in the Family?
How do we put my mother's real estate in mine and my siblings’ names in a way that keeps it in the immediate family?
Estate planning: don't forget to plan for your digital estate
Estimates indicate 30 million Facebook accounts belong to dead people.
Second marriage: how do we keep our assets separate?
I am in my 50s and engaged to be married this year.
Six reasons to reconsider marriage later in life
By the time some single or divorced people reach age 50 or 60, they’ve sworn off marriage, even if they’re in a committed relationship.
Six Reasons to Review Your Estate Plan
With a new year comes those recurring resolutions to exercise more and eat less, save more and spend less and so on. An important one that’s often overlooked, however, is reviewing your estate plan.
Five everyday legal tips to make life easier
Life can be messy. Thankfully, with a little legal planning, some of the messiest aspects of life can be minimized or prevented altogether. These five legal tips can help you preemptively smooth out some of the transitions and trials of life.
Five tips for choosing a lawyer
Chances are at some point in your life, you'll need a lawyer. It is the nature of the complex world we live in that sometimes we need the guidance of an attorney to protect our interests. Whatever the reason, you want to make sure you get the caliber of representation you deserve.
Revising Your Estate Plan During and After Divorce
You are separated. Is this the time to change beneficiaries on life insurance and your retirement accounts?
Estate planning: how do I discuss it with my aging parents?
Whether 80 or 18, every adult should have at least one or two documents.
Avoid common estate planning mistakes
At first glance, estate planning can seem like an unpleasant task, but it's important if you want to decide how your assets will be distributed.
Prime Times (and Reasons) to Recheck Your Will and Estate Plans
You finally realized the importance of writing your will a few years ago and got it done. Whew. That's over with. Or is it?
Planned Giving: Should we leave our favorite charity a percentage or specific dollar amount
Attorney Katelyn Doyle recommends using a percentage rather than a dollar amount in your will.
Wills vs. trusts: Which is right for me?
While most people appreciate the need for a will in an estate plan, trusts are less widely understood.
Quick guide to types of trusts
Trusts fall into two basic categories: living trusts and testamentary trusts. This infographic offers a quick guide to the most common types of trusts.
Preparing your executor or trustee for success
While death is not a favorite dinnertime conversation, it’s crucial to set aside time to talk with those you have designated to manage your estate when you’re gone.
Three legal steps to take when baby comes
Even though Justin Timberlake and Jessica Biel’s baby will be born into vast wealth and celebrity, they still have one thing in common with married parents in our neck of the woods.
Estate planning for parents: should the guardian and the trustee be the same person
My husband and I just had a baby and are doing our first will.
Full Disclosure: Steve Doyle
Here's your chance to see a more personal side of our newest partner, Steve Doyle.
Cremation Law: What you need to know about cremation in WI and scattering ashes
In Wisconsin, cremation is more popular than burials.