When you get to your estate planning, your thoughts might first settle on deciding what of your estate goes to which loved one. Other potential avenues of planning include guardianship and powers of attorney for your last years if you end up impaired. One factor of...
Is a will or an estate plan right for you?
If you pass away without a will in South Carolina, the court steps in and freezes your assets before ensuring the notification of all relevant parties of your death. Your entire estate, such as bank accounts, home, vehicle and other property, must go through probate,...
What topics do you typically find in advance directives?
Thinking about the end of your life may give you a lingering sense of fear. However, learning more about the types of advance directives can help put you at ease. These legal documents ensure that you get the choice of what medical decision you want in case of a...
When is an unequal will just?
One of the “basic rules” of estate planning is to divide the estate as evenly as possible among beneficiaries, particularly if the beneficiaries are adult kids. After all, it is very easy for hard feelings to appear after the death of a loved one, particularly if one...
3 Key estate planning considerations
Estate planning is complex, often requiring customization and maintenance. However, that also often means that you can create a solution that serves your own unique needs. In general, these plans and documents should provide direction, solace and support for your...
What do you know about estate planning in your 20s?
Perhaps you recently graduated from a South Carolina university or expect to graduate soon. Either way, you may not think too much about retiring or estate planning. Now is the ideal time to pave the path to securing your legacy. U.S. News & World Report explores...
When should you create a will?
Most people don’t like to think about death. That’s one reason so many Americans put off creating a will. In fact, in 2019, about 40% of Americans had no estate planning documents, including a will. In 2020, according to a Caring.com survey, 1 in 3 people realized the...
Using your estate plan to help a relative who has a disability
If you have a relative who has a disability, you may worry about his or her ability to pay for basic living expenses and essential medical care. Fortunately, government programs, like Supplemental Security Income and Medicaid, offer financial assistance to those with...
What is a living trust?
Most people know what a will is, but are far less familiar with living trusts. A last will and testament is often the backbone of a successful estate plan, but living trusts offer a number of benefits as well. There are two types of living trusts. The first type of...
How can you avoid family tension over your estate plan?
When family inherits from a loved one, it is not uncommon for animosity to grow between family members. When a family does not communicate, then others may be skeptical of the handling of the estate. The family may not agree on property maintenance, sale or the...