Estate Planning

Your will or trust does not determine who inherits your IRAs, 401(k)s , pensions, annuities, life insurance, transfer on death accounts, payable on death accounts and health saving accounts . The above mentioned accounts are inherited by the beneficiaries named in the account, contract, account application, or beneficiary designation form. We have had estate planning…

Estate planning is critical in ensuring your wishes are carried out when you pass away or cannot make decisions for yourself. Without it, your assets can end up in the legal system for years, resulting in an unnecessary financial burden on your family, who will be left sorting out the mess. However, if you do…

Estate planning is often compared to a road map for ensuring your wishes are carried out after you pass away or if you become incapable of making certain decisions yourself. That is why estate planning mistakes can lead to massive headaches for your whole family and leave critical choices at the mercy of the courts….

A will permits you to decide how and to whom your assets are distributed after your death. But, what if you die in Louisiana without a will?  What happens to your assets?  Do they go to the state? Without a will, your estate will enter probate, and the courts then decide how your assets are…

When seniors plan for their future and legacy, numerous issues must be addressed – from will and trusts to retirement tax planning. Another issue that needs prompt attention is estate tax planning.  As you plan for your retirement and the protection of your family, you should understand what taxes apply (or don’t apply) to your…

Estate and trust planning are often challenging tasks.  Throw in a special needs trust?  And things just get more complicated. Special needs trusts are legal relationships where a physically, mentally, or chronically ill person can receive income without generally reducing any public financial assistance, such as Social Security, Medicaid, or Supplemental Security Income (SSI).  Keep…

Certain documents – such as wills or powers of attorney – are standard when creating your estate plan. But what about adding a trust? Including a trust in your estate plan gives you additional protection for yourself and your loved ones.  A trust can also protect your legacy – creating a path forward for your…