Creating an estate plan means that you need to start out by making a list of everyone you want to receive an inheritance from you when you pass away. While many people opt to leave their assets to their loved ones, there are some individuals who want to support a...
Estate Planning
When do estate taxes apply to an Alabama estate?
Taxes are due in a variety of circumstances. Property owners pay taxes based on the value of their real estate holdings. Businesses and individuals have to pay taxes on their income. The estate of someone who recently died may even be subject to taxes in some cases....
Revocable and irrevocable trusts can simplify asset distribution
Creating an estate plan is an important event for any adult. This is the opportunity to leave instructions for how their assets will be handled down to beneficiaries. While most people know that they should have a will, some people don’t realize that trusts can also...
When should you update your estate plan?
For your estate plan to remain effective, you need to keep it updated. Knowing when to do this means there is less chance of problems for your executor and family when you die. One recommendation is to check the estate plan over every year or two. You could make this...
Mistakes that will mess up your estate plan
Estate planning provides a structured way to manage and distribute your assets after your death. However, estate plans can be rendered ineffective if mistakes are made during the planning process, leading to unintended consequences and complications for your loved...
Prepare before discussing your estate plan with your family
If your adult children and their families are scattered across the country, the holidays may be the only time you’re together under one roof. That’s why this is the time of year when a lot of Americans have the “estate planning talk” ahead of putting their plan in...
Estate planning for LGBTQ+ couples: Addressing unique needs
Estate planning is crucial for all couples, but LGBTQ+ partners face special challenges. New laws have helped, but hurdles remain in protecting assets and final wishes. Because of Alabama's complex laws, it is vital for LGBTQ+ couples to know their options and act....
Tips for succession planning
You may have started your company many years ago. Stepping aside from your role may not have been something you ever considered. However, the reality is that you cannot stay on as head of the business forever. That’s why it is so important to engage in succession...
3 healthcare decisions a healthcare proxy makes
Appointing a healthcare proxy is part of advance care planning, giving peace of mind to individuals. A healthcare proxy has the responsibility of making medical decisions on behalf of someone who can no longer communicate those decisions due to illness, injury or...
Tips for making a digital estate plan
As technology evolves, so does our reliance on the digital space for our day-to-day life activities. As such, we all have a lot of digital assets that hold significant value and meaning, making it essential to plan for their management and preservation. Creating a...