No Kids? What Happens to My Estate? – Annapolis and Towson Estate Planning
So, what happens to your estate if you don’t have a will nor any children?
So, what happens to your estate if you don’t have a will nor any children?
Many people have signed at least one power of attorney in their life. A power of attorney, which names a trusted family member, friend or advisor as your “attorney-in-fact” to control your assets, is meant to be used, if you are incapacitated.
Your DIY estate plan might miss important details.
A heath care directive is a legal document that lets you express your health care preferences and, if you wish, designate authority to someone to make care decisions for you, if you cannot make them yourself.
If you’ve had an IRA and a 401(k) for many years, you may occasionally ask yourself some questions: ‘Am I contributing enough?’ ‘Am I still funding these accounts with the right mix of investments for my goals and risk tolerance?
A trust is a legal vehicle that allows a third party, a trustee, to hold and direct assets in a trust fund on behalf of a beneficiary. A trust greatly expands your options when it comes to managing your assets, whether you're trying to shield your wealth from taxes or pass it on to your children.
With a Power of Attorney, you designate which individuals are in control of your assets and who can take care of your affairs, if you are unable to do so.
Every so often, it’s smart to methodically go through your estate planning documents and see if any tweaks are needed. Here’s a checklist to guide you through that mission.
In fact, many couples with no children mistakenly believe that they are less likely to need a last will and testament than couples with children.
My great-grandfather was a farmer and had about 23 acres when he died. My grandfather passed away before my great-grandfather. The land was put in a trust for my mother and uncles. My mother passed away two years ago.