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Estate Planning 101

Wills and Probate

What is a Will?

A will is a legal document that outlines how a person's assets will be distributed after their death. It is a critical part of estate planning, and the process of creating a will is known as estate planning.

Probate

When a person dies, their estate goes through a legal process known as probate. A probate court oversees the distribution of the deceased's assets according to their will. If a person dies without a will, their estate goes through probate as well, but the court will decide how the assets are distributed based on state law.

Importance of Having a Will

It is important to have a will to ensure that your assets are distributed according to your wishes. Without one, your estate may be distributed in a way that you wouldn't have wanted. For example, if you are married with children and die without a will, your assets may be split between your spouse and children, which could result in your spouse not receiving enough to maintain their lifestyle.

Types of Wills

There are different types of wills that you can create, depending on your needs. A basic will is a simple document that outlines your wishes for the distribution of your assets. A living will, on the other hand, is a document that outlines your wishes for medical care if you become incapacitated and are unable to make decisions for yourself.

Creating a Will

Creating a will requires careful consideration of your assets and how you want them distributed. It is recommended that you work with an attorney to ensure that your will is legally valid and reflects your wishes.

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Introduction to Estate Planning

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Trusts and Living Trusts

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