Estate Planning FAQs

• Q: What Is Estate Planning?
  A: Estate planning is a process to consider alternatives for, to think through, and to set up legally effective arrangements that would meet your specific wishes if … More
• Q: How to Obtain a Death Ceritifcate
  A: When you are helping to wrap up the affairs of the deceased, you will probably need a death certificate to get access to bank accounts, safety deposit boxes and … More
• Q: What Sorts Of Instructions Are Made As Part Of An Estate Plan?
  A: An estate plan consists of one or more documents that set forth instructions. Some documents are used to control health care decisions, others control your property in … More
• Q: What are Some Typical Estate Planning Documents?
  A: Several of the following documents are typically used as part of the estate planning process:   A Will, sometimes called a Last Will and Testament, to transfer … More
• Q: When Should I Start My Estate Plan?
  A: The only time that you can prepare and implement an estate plan is while you are alive and have legal capacity to enter into a contract. If you are unable to manage … More
• Q: How Can I Reduce My Estate Tax Upon My Death?
  A: Federal Estate Taxes are only charged against Estates with net values in excess of the amount set by the law in place at the time of the person's death.  The … More
• Q: What Is A Will?
  A: A Will is a written instrument containing directions for how the property of the person making the Will (called the testator) shall be divided on his or her death. … More
• Q: What Is A Trust?
  A: A trust is a fictitious legal entity that owns assets for the benefit of a third person (beneficiary). The Grantor of the Trust is the person who set up and gave … More
• Q: What Is The Difference Between A Will And A Trust?
  A: A Will and a Trust serve different purposes. Most people don`t have either one. A Will and a Trust are similar in the effect that both let you designate exactly how … More
• Q: What Happens If A Person Dies Without A Will?
  A: If a person dies without a Will, he/she will be considered to have died intestate. In this case, property will be distributed by the states laws. Often, the surviving … More