Estate Planning

A trust protector is someone who is appointed to watch over a trust that will be in effect for a long time and ensure that it is not adversely affected by any changes in the law or circumstances.

One important reason to have a will is to be able to name your executor (also called a personal representative). An executor is the person responsible for managing the administration of your estate after you die.

Siblings do not always receive equal shares of a parent's estate. Sometimes the inequality is intentional and sometimes it is accidental. Regardless of how it happens, it can cause arguments among the children.

A new study by the Government Accountability Office (GAO) raises concerns about the adequacy of consumer protections . . .

This book is a practical guide to working with your parents to make financial plans and preserve legacies while you both still have the luxury of time.

No parents want their children to fight among themselves after they are gone. Sadly, conflicts often arise, especially when a parent has gifted or loaned money to one child and not others.

Once upon a time, when life was less complicated, the key to a safe deposit box was all loved ones needed to gain access to important documents and accounts following a death.

When someone dies, they leave behind memories of them, and lots of other things as well. This book deals with those other things -- how to clear out an estate and avoid family squabbles over heirlooms.

While joint accounts can be useful in certain circumstances, they can have dire consequences if not used properly. Adding a loved one to a bank account can expose you to their creditors and affect Medicaid planning.

Medicaid 101