Yes, You Do, and Here’s Why Please allow us to be frank. It’s unrealistic to think that a piece of paper you draft, reflecting your life at a certain time, will work when your life has completely changed some years later. We’ll use the Kendrick family as an example. Meet the Kendricks Meet Bill and Karen Kendrick. They got their …
Questions to Ask When Hiring a Fiduciary
A comprehensive estate plan consists of several documents that accomplish three important things. First, they lay out your wishes for the handling of your money and property during life and at death. Second, they explain your medical wishes if you are no longer able to make them yourself or communicate them to others. Third, they list the trusted individuals you …
Five Reasons Business Owners Need Estate Plans
Business owners are notorious for engrossing themselves in the day-to-day management and functions of their businesses. As a business owner, you are likely the heart and soul of the company you lead. Your clients love you, and you have built unique relationships with your contractors and suppliers. Suppose, however, that tragedy strikes: You, as the business owner, are in a …
8 Things You Should Have in Your Living Will
If you have made a Living Will already, you have probably provided your wishes regarding artificial nutrition or hydration, CPR, and your views on organ donation. However, there are many other specific types of treatment that may not be in your Living Will, but should be. If you have not created a Living Will, or wish to revoke an old …
Ask Cari: What are the Common Mistakes Farmers Make When Creating Their Estate Plans
I was asked this question by a farm journalist. My response is below. Mistake #1: Believing that having a Last Will and Testament is an “estate plan.” Many people think that “estate planning” is really just hiring a lawyer to draft a Last Will and Testament; however, it’s more complicated than that. A good estate planning attorney will have you …
Estate Planning is More Than Just Getting a Last Will and Testament
Many people think that “estate planning” is really just hiring a lawyer or downloading a program off the internet (which I do not suggest) to draft a Last Will and Testament. However, it’s more complicated than that. A good estate planning attorney will have you complete a questionnaire giving him/her information on your family tree, assets and liabilities in order …