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Estate planning may not seem like a Halloween horror story, but ignoring the essentials can haunt you later. Working effectively with your attorney is key to keeping the skeletons out of your financial closet and protecting your loved ones. Here are some frightening mistakes you should avoid when working with your estate planning attorney: 1. […]
How Can I Split Assets Among My Children In My Estate Plan So They Don’t Fight?
Nobody likes to think about what will happen after they’re gone, but planning ahead can save your family a lot of heartache. One of the biggest concerns for parents is making sure their children don’t end up fighting over inheritance. Money and possessions can bring out strong emotions, and even the closest siblings can find […]
Everything You Need To Know About Setting Up An Educational Trust For Your Grandchildren
We all want the best for our grandkids. Americans are often in a better financial position later in life to help our youth finance their education. Wouldn’t it be amazing to send the grandkids off to college with a suitcase full of cash? However, most of us need to take a smarter approach. That’s where […]
Three Reasons Why You Want to Avoid Probate For Your Estate
The short definition of probate is: “Probate is the court action that changes the title of assets from a deceased person to the beneficiaries or heirs.” Whether or not someone leaves a will, probate is often necessary. It is a common misconception that creating a will, or holding assets jointly, will avoid probate. Simply leaving […]
Rhode Island Probate vs. Trust Administration Compared Side By Side
Do you need a will, or do you need a trust? Confused about the difference? The major difference is probate – which is the court process that applies to a person’s estate whether they leave a will or not. When it comes to estate planning, understanding the difference between probate and trust administration can significantly […]
Who Are The 5 Actors (Roles) In A Living Trust? And Why They’re Important to Understand Before Sitting Down With Your Estate Planning Attorney
Imagine a living trust as a well-directed play, with each person involved acting a crucial role to ensure everything runs smoothly. As an estate planning attorney, I often find that explaining these roles as “actors” in a play helps clients understand their responsibilities and importance. Let’s meet the main actors in your living trust production. […]
What To Do If You Suspect A Trustee Is Being Dishonest?
A living trust is a common estate planning tool. When creating your trust, one of the most important choices you’ll make is who will serve as your trustee. In most cases, at the time you create your living trust, you will be your own trustee for as long as you are living and competent. But […]
Creating a Comprehensive Estate Plan as a Rhode Island-Florida Snowbird
Let’s face it. New England winters are harsh! As the chill of winter sets in, many Rhode Islanders migrate to warmer climates, spending the warm months up north, and the cold ones down south. We refer to them as “Snowbirds.” A Snowbird is somebody who leaves their colder, full-time residence to stay out the winter […]
MA vs. RI: Is My Estate Plan Valid In All States?
People move around a lot these days. I am often asked about whether an estate plan created in a different state will still work after a move, or if an estate plan applies to property owned in another state. The answer is–it depends! First and foremost, a will or trust that is validly drafted in […]
How NOT To Plan For Your Death (Shortcuts + Pitfalls in Estate Planning)
When creating an estate plan, it is not uncommon for people to overlook important details or resort to shortcuts that lead to complications down the road. Over the years I have become familiar with the many shortcuts people take in their estate planning and the many pitfalls of inadequate planning. If you’re making an effort […]