When you think of an “estate plan” you likely think first of executing a Last Will and Testament. For many, a Will is the foundation of their estate plan. For some, a Will may be their entire estate plan. A comprehensive estate plan, however, may include other components in addition to, or even in lieu of, a Last Will and Testament. The Essex Junction estate planning attorneys at Unsworth LaPlante, PLLC explain some of the more common estate planning components. Estate Planning Goals and … [Read more...] about What Should Be Included in My Estate Plan?
How to Protect Your Business in Your Estate Plan
For many people, owning their own business is very much a part of the American dream. If you are one of those people, and you have achieved that dream, you undoubtedly worked hard to make your dream a reality. Do not make the mistake of seeing your hard work go down the proverbial drain at the end of your life because you failed to include your business in your estate plan. To help ensure that does not happen, the Essex Junction Estate Planning attorneys at Unsworth LaPlante, PLLC discuss how to … [Read more...] about How to Protect Your Business in Your Estate Plan
Why Is Special Needs Planning Important?
The need for financial planning takes on heightened importance if you are the parent of a child with special needs. Fortunately, many children with special needs now live very independent lives; however, as a parent, you may still wish to ensure that your child has your financial support as an adult, even after you are no longer here to provide it in person. Providing that financial support can be problematic because gifting assets directly to your child could jeopardize eligibility … [Read more...] about Why Is Special Needs Planning Important?
Can a Trustee Be Fired?
If you have included a trust in your estate plan, one of the decisions you made when creating that trust is who to appoint as the Trustee of the trust. A Trustee is responsible for managing and investing trust assets and administering the trust according to the terms created by the Settlor. The success, or failure, of a trust is often determined by how well the Trustee performs his/her duties and responsibilities. If problems arise though, can a Trustee be fired? The Essex Junction trust … [Read more...] about Can a Trustee Be Fired?
Veterans Aid and Attendance Benefits – What You Should Know
As a veteran, or the surviving spouse of a veteran, you likely know about some of the more common benefits available to you through the Veterans Administration (VA). You are probably also aware of the complex maize that must often be navigated to get approved for the benefits to which you are entitled. What you may not know is that you could be entitled to benefits from the “Veterans Aid and Attendance (VA&A)” program. For veterans and/or survivors living on a fixed income, the additional … [Read more...] about Veterans Aid and Attendance Benefits – What You Should Know
10 Things to Remember as Your Parents Age
Although we do not like to think about it, the reality it that as we age, so do our parents. It can be difficult to watch our parents experience the physical and mental deterioration that accompanies the natural aging process. Naturally, we all want to do something to help – but how do we do that without appearing to interfere? The Essex Junction elder law attorneys at Unsworth LaPlante, PLLC urge you to remember the following 10 things as your parents age. Be patient. Above all else, … [Read more...] about 10 Things to Remember as Your Parents Age
5 Steps to Take as a Newly Appointed Trustee
Did you recently learn that you were appointed to be the Trustee of a trust? If so, and this is the first time you have served as a Trustee, you are probably feeling overwhelmed and wondering where to begin. While the trust administration process is unique to every trust, there are some common steps. To provide you with some guidance as a first-time Trustee, the Essex Junction trust administration attorneys at Unsworth LaPlante, PLLC offer guidance for the newly appointed Trustee. Trust … [Read more...] about 5 Steps to Take as a Newly Appointed Trustee
Common Trusts Explained
A Last Will and Testament is typically the first estate planning document created and often continues to serve as the cornerstone of a comprehensive estate plan. A variety of estate planning tools and strategies, however, may eventually be added to the original plan. One of the most popular additions is a trust agreement. Knowing which type of trust can help you accomplish your estate planning goals is imperative to creating a successful plan. To help you better understand trusts, an Essex … [Read more...] about Common Trusts Explained
Is It Time to Review Your Estate Plan?
If you have already created an estate plan, you are ahead of most Americans; however, you are not done yet. Reviewing and revising your existing estate plan is just as important as creating the initial plan because having an outdated estate plan in place can be worse than not having a plan at all. The Essex Junction estate planning attorneys at Unsworth LaPlante, PLLC help you decide it if is time to review your existing estate plan. The Importance of Reviewing Your Estate Plan All too … [Read more...] about Is It Time to Review Your Estate Plan?
How Long Will a Beneficiary Have to Wait for Their Inheritance?
You have probably spent a lifetime building up your assets and a considerable amount of time deciding which of those assets to gift to which beneficiaries. To ensure that loved ones are financially secure in your absence, you also created a comprehensive estate plan. All this planning is undoubtedly essential; however, your entire plan could be derailed if you have not considered how long your beneficiaries will have to wait for their inheritance. The Essex Junction estate planning … [Read more...] about How Long Will a Beneficiary Have to Wait for Their Inheritance?
