Estate planning is critical for people who have family and who want to direct who inherits their assets and cherished possessions. However, what should you do if you have no heirs? Making end-of-life decisions without the support of family members can be noticeably...
Estate Planning
What is the importance of beneficiaries?
As you plan your will, think about what you want to leave to people in your life. In fact, fully understanding the definition of a beneficiary is an important part of the legal process. Addressing their importance and making a plan for the future are some of the most...
A living will at any age
Living wills describe your preferences for health care if you cannot communicate your desires. In most cases, a living will states what types of medical treatment you would like to receive. The living will contains your directions regarding life-prolonging procedures...
6 mistakes to avoid if you are named as an executor
Here's a hypothetical situation: your elderly aunt died and left a will in which she named you as her personal representative. You remember agreeing to take on that task, but you are not sure what the work involves. Here are six mistakes to avoid in your role as...
How complex are special needs trusts?
Many Indiana parents with special needs children worry about the future of their loved ones. One way parents address their concerns is to create a special needs trust that can provide for their children years into the future. But setting up a special needs trust is...
Navigating the Indiana probate process
When a person dies, Indiana state law may require his or her estate to go through probate. During this process, which often takes up to a year, the court supervises the surviving spouse or another authorized family member in distributing property from the estate and...
Planning your estate as a parent to young children
Although it can be very difficult to contemplate passing away while your children are still young, it is important to plan for the unlikely scenario. Doing so will give you peace of mind because you will have the knowledge that your children will be protected and...
Property people forget about in their will
There are so many different things to consider while writing a will that many people overlook some pretty important factors. If you haven't updated your will in the past three to five years, it's a good idea to make sure the following three things are accounted for....
Why changes in custody should be in writing
Sticking to a custody agreement can be challenging. Both parents want to spend as much time with their children as possible but work and extra curriculars can get in the way. As children grow up, they may also take on new responsibilities and interests that alter...
Including charities in your estate plan
When you are thinking about the legacy that you would like to leave at the end of your lifetime, it is likely that your immediate family and loved ones will be your first concern. However, in addition to the people that you love, you may also think about the causes...
