Estate Planning Archives – Gilbert Wealth

Charitable Lead Trust Basics

Charitable Lead Trusts (CLTs) are sophisticated financial instruments that serve dual purposes: supporting philanthropic endeavors and managing estate or gift taxes. As an estate planning tool, CLTs are particularly appealing to financially affluent individuals who are also committed to making significant charitable contributions.This article reviews the common uses, considerations, and pros and cons of implementing Charitable Lead Trust strategies. CLT strategies are complex and should involve a trusted attorney, accountant, and financial advisor. What is a Charitable Lead Trust? A Charitable Lead Trust is an irrevocable trust where the grantor (the person or persons who created the trust) donates assets…

What Happens if You Die Without a Will

So, you've decided to pass without a will. Yep, chosen, because anyone can make one, and if you haven't, it's a choice. It's like saying, "Surprise me with chaos!" Life's full of surprises, so why not add a twist after you're gone? While you've picked the unpredictability of not having a will, let's peek into the world of what happens next. Get ready for a wild ride of legal puzzles, family dramas, and 'who gets what' uncertainties! I'm afraid to tell you... you're intestate. When someone dies intestate, state laws, known as intestacy laws, come into play to determine how…

When to Update Your Estate Plans

Estate planning is a critical aspect of financial and personal well-being. However, it's not a set-it-and-forget-it endeavor. The circumstances of your life, the laws, and your financial situation can change over time, necessitating periodic reviews and updates of your estate plans. In this article, we will explore the key factors that determine when and why you should update your estate plans. Regular Review After you have created estate plans, it is a good idea to review them at least every three to five years to ensure they still fit your situation. This review will remind you of what you included…

You’ve created estate plans… now what?

Congratulations! You have taken an important step to take care of your financial affairs at death by creating your estate planning documents. Pat yourself on the back and feel the sense of accomplishment for a job well done.(applause)Now, that you have the documents written down, that's it right? Well, not really. There are some additional steps you should complete to really make the estate plans you worked so hard to put in place come to life. This article reviews the additional items you should consider. How do you know which of these apply to you?If you worked with an attorney, they…

Navigating the Complex Web of Estate Settlement: Understanding the Key Actors and What They Do

Estate settlement, the process by which a deceased person's assets and liabilities are managed and distributed, can be a complex and multifaceted procedure. It involves a variety of key actors, each with specific roles and responsibilities. This article will provide a comprehensive overview of these actors, shedding light on their roles and how they interact in the estate settlement process. Every state has different rules surrounding estate settlements so this information may vary from state to state. Additionally, every estate settlement is different depending on the financial situation of the deceased. Who's Who in the Estate Settlement Process Executor (or…

5 Methods of Estate Transfer

Estate transfer is the process of passing on your assets to your heirs or beneficiaries after your death. There are different methods of estate transfer, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. In this blog post, we will discuss five common methods of estate transfer and how they can affect your estate planning goals.

How to Properly Prepare for a Meeting with an Attorney

Estate planning is a powerful way to ensure your wishes are respected and your loved ones are taken care of when you're no longer around. When the time comes to create your estate plan or consult on other legal matters, meeting with an attorney is a crucial step to ensure your documents are legally sound and comprehensive. To make the most of this important meeting, here's a guide on how to prepare effectively to maximize your time together. Steps to Prepare for a Meeting with an Attorney 1) Define Your Goals An attorney is a wonderful resource to help you…

Estate Plans: The Basics of What They Do and Why You Should Have Them

"I intend to live forever or die trying." -Groucho MarxThe thought of planning for the end of one's life can be daunting and thinking about ones own demise is not high on most people's list of weekend activities. But planning properly for what happens if you are incapacitated or your death is a critical step to ensure that your loved ones are taken care of and your wishes are honored. Basic estate plans provide a roadmap for managing your assets, healthcare decisions, and more. In this article, we'll delve into the significance of having a basic estate plan and why…