Estate Planning as a Career

My last few articles have focused on various end-of-life issues that were made very real to me due my mother-in-laws recent death. In this article, well discuss the simple steps you can take that will make dividing your personal possessions easier on your family.

In many cases, the division of personal assets gives rise to family conflicts and disputes. Theres the family china, the furniture, clothes, guns, jewelry and other collectibles. The disposition of these items is (more…)

Nothing brings home the importance of having our affairs in order than seeing the effects firsthand in your own family. My mother-in-laws recent death means my family is dealing with the realities of settling her affairs. Her advanced-planning greatly simplified the process. And it will for you, too.

When her cancer returned, she had the wisdom and foresight to make sure that there would be proper access to her assets should she become incapacitated and that they would be (more…)

When my daughter was suddenly killed in a car crash I was overcome with grief. She was 45 years old, finally at a secure place in life, excited about her children and her job. My father-in-law died on the same weekend and, though we expected his death, it was still a shock. I am co-executor of my daughter’s estate.

While I am glad she had a will, her finances are a mystery. My husband and I have become financial detectives, tracking down leads and trying to make sense (more…)