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36 Tag Results
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June 29, 2011
Family Inheritance
Family inheritance is a prized possession that should be protected using estate planning strategies. Financial assets and valuable property can be transferred to direct lineage heirs and future generations through Wills and Trusts, as well as gifted on an annual basis.
Family inheritance is often a touchy subject, but it is important to openly discuss plans with family members prior to death. Many people feel there will be too much conflict if relatives know what they will receive ahead of time. The truth is family disputes over inheritance can be minimized by planning ahead.
Engaging in estate planning isn't difficult or expensive. All that is required is to take inventory of personal assets, financial portfolios, and titled property such as motor vehicles and real estate. Estate planners can advise whether estates can be sufficiently protected by a last will and testament or if a trust is better suited.
Real Estate Investing article on "Family Inheritance "
June 22, 2011
Family Disputes over Property
When family disputes over property arise it's smart to attempt resolution as quickly as possible. Irreparable damage and division within the family can occur if disagreements escalate. If necessary, call in a professional mediator, religious clergy, or lawyer to defuse the situation and begin negotiation.
Unfortunately, family disputes over property are common occurrence. The most prevalent source of disagreements stem from divorce and inheritance gifts bequeathed from deceased relatives. Death and divorce are highly charged emotional events that can cause people to behave out of character.
Real Estate Investing article on "Family Disputes over Property "
April 19, 2011
Family Disputes over Inheritance
When family disputes over inheritance arise it can quickly escalate into irreparable damage. Emotions are already running high when a loved one dies. Incidents that could easily be worked out under normal circumstances are magnified during periods of grief.
Family disputes over inheritance often occur when a relative dies without executing a Will. However, when a person dies intestate the estate must be settled according to state probate laws. Heirs can file claims against the estate if they have evidence they are entitled to specific property. They can fight all day over who should receive what, but if a Will is not in place there isn't much they can do about distribution of property.
Real Estate Investing article on "Family Disputes over Inheritance "
November 07, 2009
Estate
The word 'estate' refers to items owned by individuals who have died. An estate can consist of the decedent's home, car, personal belongings and valuable assets such as jewelry or collectable artwork.
When a person dies their estate must be settled through a process known as probate. The exception is when decedents establish a trust. Many types of trusts exist. Each has advantages and disadvantages. Trusts are generally reserved for estates valued over $100,000; however, strategies exist for smaller estates to avoid probate.
Real Estate Investing article on "Estate"
November 04, 2009
Wills Probate
Wills probate refers to a legal last will and testament executed by a person who had died. During probate, the last will must be validated and the estate settled before inheritance assets can be distributed to designated heirs.
An estate administrator is appointed in wills probate. This individual can be a spouse, family member, friend, attorney, estate planner or financial expert that specializes in handling probate cases.
Real Estate Investing article on "Wills Probate"
October 24, 2009
Trust
Trust refers to a vault which holds valuable assets, along with a person's Last Will and Testament. People use trusts to transfer inheritance assets upon their death. When a trust is used, inheritance assets do not have to pass through probate and generally are exempt from taxation.
Many people believe establishing a trust is complicated. While this can be true for exceptionally wealthy people, many types of trusts exist which are simple to establish. Some of the most common include living, revocable, irrevocable, testamentary, and irrevocable life insurance trusts.
Real Estate Investing article on "Trust "
October 14, 2009
Estate Administrator
Estate administrator refers to a person appointed to manage the estate of a person who has died. Administrators are generally family members, a professional estate planner or probate attorney. When a family member is appointed to this position, they typically require assistance from a professional to ensure legal documents are properly filed through probate court.
An estate administrator has multiple duties. It is important to appoint someone capable of handing financial matters and able to make difficult decisions under stress. Administrators must be at least 18 years of age and never convicted of a felony. It is best to appoint an estate executor who resides in the same state as the decedent. However, this is not a necessary requirement.
Real Estate Investing article on "Estate Administrator"
October 10, 2009
Decedents
'Decedents' is a term used in legal documents to reference persons who have died. It is most commonly used in last wills, revocable trusts and irrevocable life insurance trusts. Wills and trusts are used to bequeath inheritance assets to beneficiaries.
Decedents can give their personal belongings, financial assets and real estate holdings to whomever they wish. Most individuals gift assets to their spouse, children or direct lineage relatives such as sisters, brothers, mother, father, nieces and nephews.
Real Estate Investing article on "Decedents "
October 04, 2009
Probate Litigation
Probate litigation refers to obtaining legal assistance to resolve conflict surrounding inheritance assets. Heirs or beneficiaries must retain the services of a probate attorney in order to contest the decedent's last will. Probate litigation is oftentimes required when decedents die intestate (without a Will).
Probate litigation can prolong the probate process for months or years. I know a woman whose stepfather passed away without executing a Will. Although single at the time of his death, four of his six ex-wives came forward to lay claim to his estate.
Real Estate Investing article on "Probate Litigation"
September 14, 2009
Will
Executing a legal Will is one of the greatest gifts you can leave your loved ones. A Will is used to express burial preferences and name beneficiaries to receive property and personal belongings. The Last Will and Testament gives you the opportunity to have the final say in the event of your death.
A Will is also used to appoint an estate administrator. Most often this person is a family member or close personal friend. Depending on the size and complexity of the estate, some people retain a professional estate planner or probate attorney to manage their estate. It is a good idea to use the services of a neutral third party if family strife exists.