A revocable living trust is similar to a will in that it indicates how you would like your assets to be distributed after your death and can be amended anytime. While you should always have a will, a living trust—which is simply a trust set up during your lifetime as…
Talking to family members about estate planning and legacies can be difficult and even painful. Those discussions, however, will almost certainly be less painful in the long run than the stories children may make up after parents are gone about why they made the choices they did. Should you tell…
Making decisions about the disposition of your assets can be an emotionally fraught and time-consuming process. Take small steps and seek expert guidance to realize your plans for the financial care of your families. Who gets what when it comes to your estate? The process of distributing your assets is…
Dealing with an ill parent or their estate once they pass can be difficult, and having support through your siblings is important. However, sibling feuds can get in the way and cause conflicts during this time. Having your parents’ estate planning documents in order not only ensures their health care, finance and…
Money security, in most cases, is a choice. It requires the right mindset and consistent actions. Like learning a craft or skill, time, patience and devout determination is required, most especially if you are starting from a difficult position. How do you deal with money? What is your "mindset" when…
Family law practitioner Andy Low Hann Yong also noted a "significant increase" in inquiries for will writing service of late. He said this could be due to rising public awareness on the importance of having a will, or the occurrence of unfortunate incidents such as Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370 and…
They can be incredibly useful tools, and thanks to the publicity, more people may consider using them, but many people misunderstand how trusts work. Let's take a look at — and dispel — three common myths about them. Are trusts too much work? Are they only for the rich and…
So who needs estate planning? The answer is just about everyone. Although it is true that the planning that is required for a person with very limited wealth versus that of a person with great wealth, should not be as complex or costly, some degree of planning is required nevertheless.…
Mediation has emerged as a valuable tool for seniors and their families as an alternative to costly litigation. Mediation can be a useful instrument to prevent post death conflict by dealing with a family's issues during the senior's life. A recent issue of the New York Law Journal, titled "Mediation:…
Serious art collectors might roll over in their graves—or never marry—if they knew what feuds their purchases were destined to inspire. On the other hand, lots of friction can be avoided if lovers of art and their families acquaint themselves with a few legal and tax basics. So, who's getting…