estate law Archives - Tanya Hobson-Williams

Last updated by Tanya Hobson-Williams at August 23, 2024.

Five Important Things You Should Know About Living Wills

Depending on your exact circumstances, a living will can be an important part of your estate plan. It can make your wishes clear to your loved ones and your doctors, ensuring you receive the care you would want if you can no longer make your own healthcare decisions. Here are five important things you need to know about living wills:

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What Role Can a Living Trust Play in Your Estate Plan?

For some people, a living trust can be an incredibly useful way to organize their assets as part of an estate plan. Not only is it an effective means of distributing your assets, but it can potentially have significant tax benefits and offer other useful protections. But what is a living trust, exactly, and what role can it play in your estate plan?

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Why is it So Important to Have a Power of Attorney?

For many people, a power of attorney is an essential component of an estate plan. With this essential document in place, you will be prepared to face the possibility of needing someone to handle your affairs if you are unable to do so yourself. But what exactly is a power of attorney, and why is it so important to have one as part of your estate plan?

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Five Things You Need to Know About Being an Executor

If you have been appointed as the executor of an estate, it may feel like you have been given an overwhelming responsibility. And while it can be difficult, especially if legal problems arise during the Probate of your loved one’s Will, you can make things much easier for yourself if you understand a few basic principles. Here are five things you need to know about being an executor:

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What Does it Mean to Be Legally Incapacitated?

A critical part of planning, beyond creating your last will and testament, is planning for the possibility that you may become legally incapacitated. Planning for incapacity ensures that your loved ones have everything they need to take care of you, if you become unable to handle your personal affairs. But what does it mean to be incapacitated, and why does it matter?

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Five Things You Need to Know About Contesting a Will

Ideally, when you probate a Last Will and Testament also known as a “Will”, there are no issues that require litigation. Unfortunately, there is always the chance that something may go wrong, leading to one or more heirs choosing to initiate a Will contest, questioning the validity of the Will or the capacity of the person who executed the Will. Here are five things you need to know about contesting a Will:

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Five Benefits of a Testamentary Trust You Should Consider

A testamentary trust can be an exceptionally useful tool for many people trying to plan their estates. However, it is not necessarily appropriate for everyone, and you should consider the benefits carefully, with the guidance of an experienced attorney, to see if it works for you. Here are five benefits of a testamentary trust you should consider:

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Five Things You Need to Know About Appointing a Trustee

For many people, a trust is an integral part of their estate plan. An essential part of creating a trust is appointing the right Trustee. The Trustee is responsible for ensuring that the purpose of the trust and its terms are carried out. The Trustee is also responsible for ensuring that the trust assets are managed appropriately. Here are five things you should know about appointing a Trustee:

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Protecting a Loved One With Special Needs Through Estate Planning

Anyone who has a loved one with special needs is necessarily concerned about what they can do to ensure their loved one will be cared for if no one is around to assist. Fortunately, there are certain steps you can take to provide for your loved ones through your estate planning, which can help to protect them legally and financially. Here are five things you can do to protect your loved one with special needs:

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Who Can Benefit From Medicaid Planning?

When people hear “Medicaid planning,” they assume that it is something for people with little or no assets. However, in reality the people who can potentially benefit the most from Medicaid planning are people who may not currently qualify for it due to having significant monthly income, money in the bank or ownership of property. So how do you know if Medicaid planning may be right for you, and what should you do if you want to incorporate it as part of your estate plan?

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