Make Sure YOUR Estate Goes to the People You Love!

Feb 29, 2012  /  By: Colleen Sinclair Prosser, Estate Planning Attorney  /  Category: Estate Planning, Incapacity Planning, Living Trusts, Living Wills, Powers of Attorney, Probate avoidance, Trusts, Wills

Instead of the IRS, Probate Court or a Nursing Home. Attend a FREE SEMINAR to Find Out How a Proper Estate Plan Can Benefit Your Family…

…Seating is limited so follow the link to reserve yours today!

http://www.sinclairprosserlaw.com/local/estate-planning-seminars.aspx

SinclairProsser Law, LLC is a member of the American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys.

DOES YOUR EXECUTOR OR TRUSTEE UNDERSTAND THE DUTIES?

Oct 11, 2011  /  By: Patricia Jaron, Estate Planning Attorney  /  Category: Asset Protection, Estate Planning, Living Trusts, Trusts

By choosing an executor and successor trustee when planning your estate, you will be able to have control over who is handling your final affairs. Choose trusted helpers who are trustworthy and reliable as well as fully capable of handling all of the duties. Take a look at the following information to better prepare for this decision. If you have any questions about how to choose a great executor or trustee, contact an estate planning attorney.

Fully Communicate All of Your Expectations

Communication is key to a successful estate plan; be sure to communicate what you expect from a trusted helper such as your executor and successor trustee. Explain, or have your estate planning attorney explain, the common duties such as communicating with beneficiaries; keeping detailed records; following court orders; working with the estate planning attorney; protecting and managing financial, real property, and personal assets; paying bills; filing and paying taxes; and distributing assets.

Make Sure Your Trusted Helpers are Ready for the Job

If you want to avoid confusion and delay in the future and want your wishes to be respected, you need to make sure that your trusted helpers are willing and able to serve when needed. Allow each trusted helper to think about his or her decision to accept the job ahead of time, so he or she can decide if it’s the right choice. Always name back-up trusted helpers in case your primary executor or trustee is unable to serve.

Make Sure You’re Making the Right Choice

Before appointing an individual, take the time to fully consider all of your options. This isn’t something that you should rush into. Think about the qualities that each potential trusted helper has and if you don’t have a family member or friend that is a good fit, name a professional trusted helper.

If you need assistance communicating your needs to your executor or trustee, consult with a qualified estate planning attorney.

SinclairProsser Law, LLC is a member of the American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys.

SinclairProsser Law, LLC – We’re here for you!

Aug 18, 2011  /  By: Cyndi Jenkins, Office Manager  /  Category: Advanced Estate Planning, Asset Protection, Estate Planning, Estate Taxes, Living Trusts, Taxes, Trusts, Uncategorized, Wills

Another year

And we’re still here

As we always plan to be

 

As your resource

To direct your course

In preserving prosperity

 

Should you want to establish

A Will or a Trust

Without hesitation

The answer is us!

 

In Trust Administration

We minimize taxes

To those who are aging

Our guidance relaxes

 

We’re experts at pre-nups;

And post-nups, it’s true

Business succession planning

We can position for you.

 

As your estate planning expert

We give peace of mind

Our team stands to serve you

Through the passage of time

 

SinclairProsser Law, LLC is a member of the American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys.

What Can a Revocable Living Trust Do?

May 05, 2011  /  By: Colleen Sinclair Prosser, Estate Planning Attorney  /  Category: Estate Planning, Living Trusts, Probate avoidance, Trusts

Many people consider implementing Revocable Living Trusts into their estate plan.  Are you considering including this estate planning tool?  Take a look at the information below to learn some of the benefits of creating a trust.  If you have any questions or if you wish to create a trust, consult with a qualified estate planning attorney.

  • A trust can be used during your lifetime and after your death. This means that if needed, you can allow someone else to help mange your trust’s assets during a serious illness or disability.
  • A trust allows you to transfer the ownership of your assets to another individual called a trustee.  This person is responsible for managing your trust’s assets and distributing the assets based on the instructions of your trust.  During your lifetime, you’ll likely serve as the trustee of your own trust.
  • In your trust, you will outline who will receive your assets after your death.  You are able to include all the instructions you’d like.  Your assets will be distributed to the beneficiaries you designate in accordance with your instructions by the person you name (successor trustee) to act on your behalf after your death.
  • A revocable living trust is a type of trust that you can make changes to or completely revoke at any point during your lifetime as long as you are alive and well.
  • Many people choose to incorporate a revocable living trust in their estate plan because it avoids probate.  This can save money, time and can allow the trust and financial information to be kept private.
  • You can create a marital trust that can be used to provide asset protection for the assets you leave to your surviving spouse.  You can also ensure that your children are the main beneficiaries of your estate after your spouse’s death.
  • You can create a trust for your children.  These assets can be used for the care of your minor children.  You are able to provide specific instructions outlining uses for the funds such as medical expenses, daily care, education, and more.

If you have any additional questions about the need for a trust consult with a qualified estate planning attorney.

SinclairProsser Law, LLC is a member of the American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys.