The Hidden Dangers of DIY Estate Planning—Are You at Risk? | AmeriEstate Legal Plan
September 09,
2024

The Hidden Dangers of DIY Estate Planning—Are You at Risk?

Imagine this scenario: You’ve completed your DIY estate plan, feeling confident that you’ve protected your loved ones from probate and its associated headaches. But months or even years later, your family finds themselves unexpectedly entangled in the probate court process—exactly what you were trying to avoid. How could this happen? DIY estate plans often miss crucial legal steps that, if not handled correctly, automatically trigger probate. Whether it’s failing to transfer assets into a trust, overlooking specific legal requirements, or simply not addressing state-specific laws, these seemingly small oversights can have huge consequences. Without the careful review of an attorney, your estate plan might not have the airtight protection you intended, leaving your family to face the time-consuming and costly ordeal of probate.

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Trustee Duties: Checklist and Things to Know | AmeriEstate Legal Plan
August 14,
2024

Trustee Duties: Checklist and Things to Know

Although there are many ins and outs of what makes or breaks a trust, having a good trustee to carry it out is just as important as the terms of the trust itself. Both first-time and experienced trustees alike will need to understand their trustee duties and responsibilities to best meet the requirements laid out in the trust.

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4 Essential Tips for Choosing the Right Care Facility for Your Aging Parents | AmeriEstate Legal Plan
August 12,
2024

4 Essential Tips for Choosing the Right Care Facility for Your Aging Parents

Navigating the decision to place a loved one in a care facility is a heart-wrenching process. We understand how daunting this journey can be. The thought of entrusting someone else with the care of your aging parents can be overwhelming. At AmeriEstate Legal Plan, we’ve helped countless families through this transition, ensuring they have the necessary legal protections in place. To help ease your burden, here are four essential tips to consider when looking for a care facility for your aging parents.

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What Is a Survivor's Trust? | AmeriEstate Legal Plan
July 17,
2024

What Is a Survivor’s Trust?

Parents care deeply about their children, saving up money for college and taking steps to leave behind an inheritance. Part of financial planning involves anticipating potential tax burdens. For example, a 20% tax on just $300,000 would be $60,000. Some married couples set up a survivor’s trust to avoid such exorbitant tax rates. What is a survivor's trust and what are the benefits?

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The Hidden Risks of Joint Bank Accounts with Your Children | AmeriEstate Legal Plan
July 08,
2024

The Hidden Risks of Joint Bank Accounts with Your Children

At AmeriEstate Legal Plan, we often hear from clients who believe that adding their children to their financial accounts is a simple and cost-effective way to manage their assets. Banks frequently suggest this approach, and it might seem like a logical and convenient solution. However, the reality is that this decision can lead to significant legal and financial pitfalls.

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Does a Living Trust Need To Be Recorded in California? | AmeriEstate Legal Plan
June 18,
2024

Does a Living Trust Need To Be Recorded in California?

Are you considering setting up a trust for your heirs but are concerned about your estate affairs becoming public knowledge? At AmeriEstate, we understand your desire to keep your estate private. Fortunately, when you create a living trust in California, you do not need to record the document with the county or state. Establishing a revocable trust protects your assets and maintains your privacy. Living trusts are an important estate planning tool that provides numerous benefits for you and your heirs, not the least of which is keeping your trust out of public records.

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The Importance of Estate Planning for Military Personnel | AmeriEstate Legal Plan
June 04,
2024

The Importance of Estate Planning for Military Personnel

Military personnel, both active duty and veterans, dedicate their lives to serving their country with honor and courage. With all the demands of service, it's crucial to think about another important aspect, estate planning. This ensures your wishes are respected and your loved ones are cared for in the event of unforeseen circumstances. It's important for both active military personnel and veterans to establish a living trust or, at the very least, power of attorneys and healthcare directives.

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Free Living Trust Seminars at Your Finger Tips and on Your Timeframe | AmeriEstate Legal Plan
May 21,
2024

Free Living Trust Seminars at Your Finger Tips and on Your Timeframe

In today's busy world, attending in-person seminars might not always be feasible. That's why we've created two informative free living trust seminars that you can watch from the comfort of your own home, at any time that fits your schedule. Our goal is to make estate planning accessible and understandable for everyone, regardless of their schedule or location.

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