Why You Need Estate Planning Before Your Next Vacation | AmeriEstate Legal Plan
April 23,
2024

Why You Need Estate Planning Before Your Next Vacation

Vacations are meant to be a time of relaxation, exploration, and making memories with loved ones. Between the excitement of planning your trip and packing your bags, there's one important task that often gets overlooked: having the proper legal documents completed. Whether you're jetting off to a tropical paradise or embarking on a cross-country road trip, having a living trust or at least your Power of Attorney and Health Care Directive in place is crucial for ensuring your affairs are in order, especially if you're traveling out of the country or across state lines. In this blog, we'll explore the importance of having a living trust before your next vacation and why it's essential for peace of mind.

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The Cost of Dying in 2024: Navigating the Challenges with AmeriEstate
April 16,
2024

The Cost of Dying in 2024: Navigating the Challenges with AmeriEstate

Losing a loved one is one of the most challenging experiences anyone can face in their lifetime. Along with the emotional turmoil, families are suddenly burdened with administrative tasks and financial responsibilities, which can worsen the grieving process and add significant stress. The 2024 Report by Empathy, The Cost of Dying, sheds light on the extensive challenges families encounter when dealing with the aftermath of a loved one's passing, highlighting the importance of planning ahead to alleviate some of the burdens associated with the cost of dying.

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April 01,
2024

Webinar Replay: Estate Planning Myths and Truths

Our webinar is dedicated to dismantling popular myths about estate planning and providing you with the facts. Learn why common misconceptions like “My spouse will inherit everything, so I don't need a living trust” or “Living trusts are only for the wealthy elite” are untrue. Understand the truth and clarify crucial aspects of estate planning, including tax advantages, consequences for spouses without a living trust, probate avoidance strategies, and the limitations of DIY living trusts.

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Can a Spouse Change a Trust After Death?
March 12,
2024

Can a Spouse Change a Trust After Death?

When clients begin creating a trust, it usually leads to numerous questions about processes and the level of protection the trust grants their heirs and estate. At AmeriEstate, we invariably get questions about whether a trust can be changed after the person dies, especially for married grantors. So, can a spouse change a trust after death? It depends on the type of trust, the trust terms and whether the couple created a joint trust. Let’s walk through when a spouse can alter the trust after death and when the spouse can’t.

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Understanding Advanced Health Care Directives and Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) Forms | AmeriEstate Legal Plan
February 27,
2024

Prop. 19 Webinar Replay, Overview, and Q&A

In this informative webinar we discuss the critical aspects of Advanced Health Care Directives (AHCD) and Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) forms. We provide valuable insight into the purpose and significance of AHCD, shedding light on the key differences between the two documents and equip you with the knowledge to make informed healthcare decisions.

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Revocable Trusts vs. Irrevocable Trusts | AmeriEstate Legal Plan
February 27,
2024

Revocable Trusts vs. Irrevocable Trusts

You’ve worked hard to earn the things you have today. You’ve purchased a home, invested wisely, secured a savings account, or started a business; you know these are life changing assets. That means you should plan for what happens to them when you pass away. One way to make a plan for your assets to be passed to your heirs is to create an estate plan or living trust.

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Estate Planning Myths | AmeriEstate Legal Plan
February 20,
2024

Estate Planning Myths

Myth 1: Estate Planning is only for the Wealthy Truth: Estate planning is for everyone, regardless of their financial status. […]

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How Does a Blended Family Estate Plan? | AmeriEstate Legal Plan
February 14,
2024

How Does a Blended Family Estate Plan?

In the United States, nontraditional families, including blended families with stepparent or stepchildren relationships, now outnumber traditional families. Despite this […]

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Understanding the Step-up in Basis for Assets Acquired from an Inheritance | AmeriEstate Legal Plan
February 13,
2024

Understanding the Step-up in Basis for Assets Acquired from an Inheritance

When it comes to inheriting assets, a critical concept that can profoundly affect your financial situation is the step-up in basis. This term pertains to the adjustment in the tax cost basis of inherited assets to their fair market value at the time of the original owner's death. A clear comprehension of the step-up basis is vital for heirs and beneficiaries, as it can have significant implications for capital gains taxes when an asset is sold. 

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