Legacy Design Strategies
Omaha, NE, Minot, ND and Iowa Fall, IA Estate Planning and Elder Law Firm

Estate Planning and Elder Law Blog

Sort by Category:

Should I Let The State Write My Will?

Death is not a favorite conversation topic. However, we all know it is something we must at some point discuss. The loss of a close friend or family member, or an event, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, seems to bring the topic to the forefront.

Posted on: September 8, 2020

Estate Planning Basics You Need to Know

Estate planning can come in a variety of forms, from basic beneficiary designations when you open a bank or brokerage account to more complex and comprehensive plans.

Posted on: September 7, 2020

Why Should I Think about My Death?

Talking about death makes most of us uncomfortable, so we don't plan for it. That's a big mistake, because if you don't have an end-of-life plan, your state's laws decide who gets everything you own. A doctor you've never met could decide how you spend your last moments, and your loved ones could be saddled with untangling an expensive legal mess after you die.

Posted on: September 4, 2020

What Happens If I Don’t Fund My Trust?

If you have updated your estate plan during the Covid crisis and even found a way to sign your documents while maintaining social distance, do not overlook the last step of trust funding.

Posted on: September 3, 2020

Two Words Could Undo Your Entire Estate Plan

’Per stirpes’ vs. ‘per capita.’ Making the wrong choice could cause an estate planning disaster.

Posted on: September 2, 2020

Different Trusts for Different Estate Planning Purposes

Trusts are legal entities that own assets, and all trusts are not alike. They are created by a written trust document with certain provisions that can vary from trust to trust.

Posted on: September 1, 2020

When Exactly Do I Need to Update My Will?

It is also important to realize that it isn’t merely “why” you are updating your will, but “when” you are updating that can make all the difference. Acting too late (or too early) may mean your changes are no longer appropriate or even immediately invalidated.

Posted on: August 31, 2020

What Basic Estate Planning Documents Do I Need?

At this stage of your life, preparing these must-have documents is one of the most profound acts of love that you can bestow. This paperwork can shield your family from needless heartache, hassle and expense.

Posted on: August 28, 2020

How Can I Avoid Family Fighting in My Estate Planning?

One problem that frequently stems from the inheritance process is fractured relationships between siblings. Unfortunately, the common denominator in many of these situations is the parents' estate plan.

Posted on: August 27, 2020

Estate Planning Different for Business Owners and Top-Level Executives

Having an estate plan can ensure that fiduciaries are identified to oversee and distribute your assets in the way you would have wanted. As a business owner, your ownership assets in your estate may require a more sophisticated level of planning.

Posted on: August 26, 2020