While you can’t directly leave assets in your estate plan to your pets, you should consider their future care and wellbeing should they outlive you. You may have a verbal agreement with a family member or friend who loves your pet, but there are other considerations, such as the cost of veterinary care, food, grooming, etc. that should be Continue Reading →
It’s hard to think about wills and trusts and your eventual death, but it’s even harder on your family and loved ones when there’s no plan in place for what happens after you die. And while no one really wants to talk about estate planning, you’ll find that you actually feel much better after you do. How a Will Continue Reading →
Disinheriting a family member or other potential beneficiary is usually considered an intentional occurrence. But it quite frequently happens purely by accident (known as “accidental disinheritance”) – either through procrastination or simply a lack of understanding of how estate and probate law work. Many people assume that a will on its own will dictate how assets are distributed. Continue Reading →
For many pet owners, pets are members of the family. Pet owners often say that if something happens to them, they are as concerned about will happen to their pets as they are with their children and spouse. What Happens to the Pets When the Owner Becomes Disabled or Passes Away? Most pet owners want the assurance of what Continue Reading →
“Owning a home is a keystone of wealth…both financial affluence and emotional security.” Suze Orman While you consider what it takes to prepare for your future with family estate planning, keep in mind that often, one of the biggest assets people own is their home! Real estate planning is an important consideration in looking at the overall financial health of your Continue Reading →
Shocking to most people, your retirement accounts can be seized once they pass to your loved ones. During your lifetime, your retirement funds have asset protection, meaning they can’t be taken in a lawsuit. Unfortunately, as soon as retirement accounts are inherited by your loved ones, the protection evaporates. This means your hard earned money can legally be snatched by Continue Reading →
Over the years, we’ve discovered that many people make a BIG mistake, catapulting their assets and loved ones right into the court system. Most of our clients want to avoid probate because it has a reputation for being time consuming, stressful, and public, meaning anyone anywhere can see who got what and how to contact them. Beneficiaries may become victims Continue Reading →
An Advance Directive is a set of documents that are written statements of a person’s wishes regarding medical treatment to be used in the event that the person cannot make the decisions for themselves. A Living Will and Medical Power of Attorney are commonly included in an Advanced Directive. “Modify or create a new Advance Directive if yours does Continue Reading →
Kristin and Chris have called many places home over the years, but really for them, Home is where they are together. One might even say that their family are true global citizens with three nationalities, different last names and every shade of skin tone. But as they have told their sons many times, families are made in many different ways Continue Reading →
Wills & Wellness is excited to have Christie Sears, Child, Couple and Family Therapist, guest blog for us this month. Christie will be joining Wills & Wellness in presenting to families at Baby & Co in Wheatridge this fall about how to create peace of mind through estate planning. Thanks for the advice Christie! Balance is key to a happier, Continue Reading →