Legal Matters

The articles below are all part of the category "Legal Matters."

Articles on wills, trusts, estate planning, powers of attorney, and other legal preparations.

Making a Preliminary Estate Distribution Plan

Executor of Estate Duties Process Overview

Navigate the estate distribution process with ease – explore our guide on preliminary planning and executor responsibilities.

The Steps to Closing Probate

Illustration of the probate process steps

Learn the essential steps to efficiently close probate and finalize the estate of a loved one with our detailed guide.

Assessing Potential Estate and Income Tax Obligations

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Discover strategies for estate and income tax obligations, including planning tips, tax changes, and key exemptions with MyFinalPlanner.com.

Understanding Probate

Illustration of the probate process

Navigate the complexities of probate with our in-depth guide. Understand court procedures, estate management, and more with MyFinalPlanner.Org.

Handling Disputed Claims Against the Estate

Family members discussing an inheritance dispute

Master the art of resolving estate disputes and claims with our insightful guide. Safeguard your inheritance rights today.

Making Your Own Death Plan

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Find out how to create a personalized death plan with essential tips on wills, funerals, and more, ensuring a dignified legacy.

Why you need a durable financial power of attorney

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Discover the critical role of durable financial power of attorney in asset management and healthcare decisions on MyFinalPlanner.Org.

What hiring a lawyer will and won't do for you after a loss

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Discover how hiring a lawyer aids in navigating the aftermath of a loss and where they might not be able to offer support.

Transferring Vehicle Ownership

Family handing over car keys

Learn how to transfer vehicle ownership quickly - whether it's to a family member or handling the process after someone's death.

Ultimate Guide to Prepaying Funeral Expenses: A Comprehensive Checklist

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Master the process of prepaying for a funeral with our in-depth checklist. Make informed decisions and ease future burdens with MyFinalPlanner.Org.

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Comparing POD Accounts, Trusts, and Wills

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This article provides a detailed comparison between POD accounts, trusts, and wills to help you decide which estate planning tool is right for you.

Creating a Lasting Plan with a Durable Power of Attorney for Finances

Person managing finances with durable POA

Insights on creating a lasting, effective plan with a Durable Power of Attorney for your finances, ensuring your financial well-being is secured.

Defining Your Financial Agent’s Role Template

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A template to define the specific roles, responsibilities, and limitations of your financial agent in your Durable Financial Power of Attorney.

Durable Financial Power of Attorney FAQs

Woman reviewing legal paperwork

Answers to the most common questions about Durable Financial Power of Attorney, its necessity, and its functionality.

Dynasty Trust Explained

Illustration of multiple people representing generations

An in-depth exploration of Dynasty Trusts, how they work, their benefits, and how they can help in avoiding GSTT and preserving wealth across generations.

Estate Planning Checklist

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An interactive checklist to navigate the process of estate planning, ensuring all relevant documents are accounted for and organized.

Finding the Right Estate Planning Professional

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Guidance on finding and choosing a professional to consult about the legal and tax implications of your estate planning, including POD accounts.

Navigating Estate Sales: Preparing a House for Sale After Loss

Illustration of preparing a house for sale after a loss

Understand the process and responsibilities involved in preparing a house for sale after inheriting it, with practical tips and legal insights.

Navigating Gift Tax: How to Transfer Assets Before Death

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Master the rules of gifting assets before death, from property to stocks, and learn about gift tax exemptions and limits at MyFinalPlanner.Org.

Estate Inventory Made Simple: A Step-by-Step Guide

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Find out how to precisely document assets for estate planning with our step-by-step estate inventory guide.

Healthcare Power of Attorney Form Template

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A customizable template that helps you draft a legal Healthcare Power of Attorney document, tailored to your state’s laws and personal healthcare preferences.

How to Choose Your Financial Power of Attorney: Practical Advice

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Practical advice on selecting the right person to act as your financial power of attorney, including key qualities to look for.

Keeping Up With Estate Tax Laws

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A detailed guide on staying updated with estate tax laws, including resources for the latest changes and strategies for adapting your estate plan accordingly.

Lifetime Gift Tax Exclusion Letter Template

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A template to formally document the use of Lifetime Gift Tax Exclusion for financial or personal records, ensuring clarity and compliance.

Navigating Family Disputes Over Inheritance

Family members arguing over items on a table

Strategies and advice on how to peacefully resolve disputes over wills and inheritances among family members.

Guiding Compassion: Notifying Family and Friends of a Passing

Illustration of a person delivering sad news with compassion

Navigate the sensitive task of informing family and friends about a loved one's passing with our compassionate notification guide.

Questions to Ask When Selecting an Estate Lawyer

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A comprehensive list of questions to ask when interviewing potential lawyers for estate and probate matters.

Revoking a Financial Power of Attorney: Know Your Rights

Person reviewing a financial power of attorney document

A thorough guide on how and when you can revoke a financial power of attorney, including necessary steps and precautions.

Roles of a Financial Power of Attorney

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An in-depth look at the roles and responsibilities when acting as a financial power of attorney.

Home & Vehicle Security Guide for Seniors: Master Your Safety Checklist

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Seniors, enhance your home and vehicle security with our expert guide. Learn how to protect yourself and your belongings with ease.

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Setting Up Your Financial Power of Attorney Checklist

Overview of a financial power of attorney document

A step-by-step checklist to properly set up a Durable Financial Power of Attorney, ensuring all legal requirements are met.

Setting Up an ILIT Checklist

diagram showing an ILIT holding life insurance policy

Step-by-step checklist for setting up an Irrevocable Life Insurance Trust, including finding a lawyer, drafting the ILIT agreement, and transferring the insurance policy.

Navigating Debt After Death: A Comprehensive Guide

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Discover how to settle medical, credit card, and mortgage debts after the death of a loved one, easing financial and emotional burdens.

Tools and Strategies for Estate Tax Reduction

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A comprehensive guide to various tools and strategies for reducing estate taxes, including more in-depth discussion on ILITs, QPRTs, GRATs, and using gift tax exclusions efficiently.

Understanding Debt Settlement Laws by State

A person reviewing legal documents related to debt settlement

An informative piece on how state laws affect debt settlement after a loved one

Understanding Durable Powers of Attorney for Health and Finance

Elderly woman signing legal documents with caregiver

A comprehensive guide to understanding the roles and differences between durable powers of attorney for healthcare and finance.

Understanding State-Specific Requirements for Healthcare Documents

Person reviewing healthcare documents

This article provides detailed information on how to navigate and comply with state-specific legal requirements for healthcare power of attorney and living wills.

gavel, contract and estate sale sign

Bill of Sale Template

hands exchanging car keys and document

A template for a bill of sale which can be used when gifting or selling a car within the family. It includes sections for the car’s VIN, make and model, the transaction details, and both parties

Choosing the Right Time and Place for Estate Planning Talks

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Guidance on how to select the optimal timing and setting for initiating estate planning discussions.

Creating a Comprehensive Will: A Step-By-Step Guide

A person creating a will document

A detailed guide on how to draft a will that covers all necessary aspects of your estate, ensuring your wishes are followed.

Estate Planning Checklist

A family discussing estate planning with an attorney

A step-by-step checklist for estate planning, including document preparation, beneficiary designation, and trust establishment.

Estate Planning Essentials

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A checklist of steps for thorough estate planning, including listing assets, choosing beneficiaries, and setting up trusts.

Estate Planning: Trustee & Executor Checklist

Comparison chart showing key differences between trustee and executor

A comprehensive checklist for trustees or executors on managing and updating an estate inventory, tailored to their roles and responsibilities.

Family Discussion Guide Template

Happy multi-generational family having discussion

A template to guide your inheritance and estate planning discussions, ensuring all important topics are covered.

Financial Advisor or Estate Planning Lawyer

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Guidance on how to find the right financial advisor or estate planning lawyer who can help tailor your estate plan to your specific needs.

Legal Grounds for Challenging a Will

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Comprehensive guide on the legal bases for challenging a will, including undue influence, lack of capacity, and procedural flaws.

Legal Preparations for Estate Talks Checklist

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A comprehensive checklist that outlines all the legal preparations needed before discussing estate planning with your family.

Legal Tips Every Executor Should Know

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Provides critical legal advice for executors to protect themselves and the estate.

Mediation in Inheritance Disputes

Family sitting around table with mediator

An exploration into how mediation can provide a peaceful resolution to inheritance disputes, including selecting a mediator and preparing for mediation.

Real-life Estate Dispute Resolutions

Illustration of factors leading to estate disputes

Analyzes real-life examples of estate dispute resolutions, highlighting strategies that worked and lessons learned to inform and guide readers facing similar issues.

Summary of Estate Planning Discussion Template

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A template to create a written summary of your estate planning discussions, ensuring clarity and mutual understanding between all parties.

Tax-Efficient Estate Planning Practices

An older couple looking at financial documents

Learn about tax-efficient practices that can help make the most of your estate planning.

Template for Documenting Family Meeting Agreements

Happy family looking at documents together

A template to formalize agreements or decisions made during family meetings on estate planning, to ensure clarity and prevent misunderstandings.

Understanding Estate Tax Law Changes

A person reviewing estate tax law documents

Stay updated with the latest estate tax law changes and understand how they might impact your estate planning strategies.

Understanding Probate Litigation

Gavel on top of legal documents

A detailed guide on probate litigation including what it entails, how to prepare, and what to expect during the process.

person reviewing legal documents for estate sale

Updating Your Estate Plan: A Checklist

A person updating their estate planning documents

A checklist of steps to follow for regularly updating your estate plan and keeping your beneficiaries informed.

Will Communication Template

Family sitting together having a serious discussion

A template for discussing estate plans and wills with family members to prevent misunderstandings and disputes.

Writing a Will Template

person writing on legal pad

Template to help individuals draft their own will, ensuring they cover key aspects such as asset distribution, executor appointment, and guardian designation for minors.

Yearly Gift Tax Exemption Tracker Template

Graphic showing 17000 dollar annual gift exclusion for an individual and 34000 dollars for a married couple

A simple template to track your annual gift giving to family members, ensuring it aligns with tax-free limits for estate reduction.