| Basic Trust Types and Formation |
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| A trust may be formed for any purpose that is lawful and not against public policy. More... |
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| Will Formalities |
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| The body of a will is where is where the testator directs the disposition of his or her estate. This article discusses the clauses before the body of the will and the clauses and signature lines after the body of the will, that are necessary to comply with the customs and requirements--the formalities--for the making of a will.More... |
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| Trusts Classified |
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| Trusts are commonly classifed in two ways. The first way is by the duties of the trustee. The second way is by the intent, if any, of the settlor to create a trust. This article discusses generally these two ways of classifying a trust.More... |
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| Living Wills -- Life-Prolonging Procedures |
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| Your healthcare decisions are likely to be influenced by many factors, including your medical history, your knowledge of other people's experiences, or your religious beliefs. While putting together your living will, you should become familiar with the kinds of medical procedures that are most commonly administered to patients who are seriously ill. Of course, the types of medical procedures that are available change as time passes. Additionally, the treatments that are available vary by region, depending on the sophistication and financing of medical facilities. More... |
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| State Death Taxes - Returns and Allocation |
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| Each state usually has its own forms for inheritance-tax or other death-tax returns. Obtain these forms at the earliest possible date so that you will be aware in advance of your responsibilities and can accumulate the necessary information during the administration of the estate. As soon as reasonably possible, become familiar with the time requirements for filing the state death-tax returns. Some states give a discount for early payment, and this early payment can be due several months after death. The tax return often is due in less than a year, with penalties for late payment. More... |
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