Indiana law allows you to create an inter vivos trust as part of your overall estate plan. One of the key benefits of such a trust is that you can name yourself as the trustee, which means that you have control over trust assets during your lifetime. When you pass...
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Important first steps in high-net-worth estate planning
As a general rule, financial planners consider you to be a high-net-worth individual if you have at least $1 million in liquid assets. Although Indiana does not have an estate tax, you still have multiple issues to address to preserve and protect your assets. Protect...
What are grantor trust rules?
Many Indiana adults include trusts in their estate plans to avoid probate, reduce federal estate taxes and ensure that their assets are distributed according to their wishes after they pass away. Trusts were once commonly used to divide income among several...
Is a trust the right choice for your estate plan?
When preparing an estate plan, some people might not know that they have options other than writing a last will and testament. Creating a revocable or irrevocable trust could be the appropriate decision. Researching the purposes and potential upsides of trusts is...
Qualities that make a good Southern Indiana attorney-in-fact
An attorney-in-fact, also known as a power of attorney (POA), is a person appointed to act on behalf of another person in legal or financial matters in Southern Indiana. Choosing the right attorney-in-fact in Indiana is a crucial decision that should not be taken...
How to remove a trustee in Southern Indiana probate court
There are several reasons someone would want to remove a trustee in Southern Indiana. It’s not uncommon for beneficiaries or family members to have disagreements with the person managing the trust. When these disagreements are left to fester, many people might look to...
About contesting a trust or will
When someone passes away in Indiana, the distribution of their assets can create conflict between family members. If there is a will or trust in place, it is meant to provide clear instructions for the distribution of assets. However, when the validity or...
What does it mean to be an executor of a will?
A close friend or a family member has asked if you will be the executor of their Indiana will. You've agreed to do so, but do you understand what an executor is and the duties of being one? Definition of an executor An executor of a will serves as the legal...
Answering questions in writing a living will
When considering writing a living will in Indiana or anywhere else, you'll need to ask yourself some questions. These questions will help ensure that your wishes are accurately reflected in your document and properly executed. Health questions One important...
What do you need to know about a special needs trust in Indiana?
Estate planning in Indiana often involves ensuring your loved ones can care for themselves after your death. If your loved ones include people with disabilities, you may consider setting up a special needs trust as part of your estate planning. Definition and benefits...