Read more about the article How Estate Planning Protects Unmarried Couples – Annapolis and Towson Estate Planning

How Estate Planning Protects Unmarried Couples – Annapolis and Towson Estate Planning

Many couples make the choice not to wed, even after being together for decades, for personal or financial reasons. For example, some clients don’t marry so as not to impact their children’s inheritance, while others would rather not bother with the legalities, says a recent article, “Estate Planning for Unmarried Couples” from My Prime Time News. In some cases, marriage would cause the couple to lose pension or Social Security benefits, if they remarried.

However, unmarried couples must take extra care to have estate planning documents in place to make their wishes clear and to protect each other in case of incapacity, serious illness and, ultimately, death.

From any statutory priority, a significant other does not have the legal rights granted to a spouse to serve as a personal representative or executor for their loved one’s estate. In addition, there is no statutory right to inherit property, including any family allowance or exempt property allowance.

The significant other also has no rights regarding acting as guardian or conservator for their partner and no ability to make medical decisions, if they become incapacitated or disabled.

All of these issues, however, can be resolved with the help of an estate planning attorney. Both partners should execute a will, health care power of attorney, general power of attorney and a living will to protect each other.

The last will and testament designates a personal representative or executor who will be in charge of the decedent’s estate and inherit the person’s assets. With no will, a partner will inherit no assets, unless they are owned jointly or the partner is a named beneficiary.

Having a health care power of attorney and a financial power of attorney gives a partner the power to make decisions if their loved one becomes incapacitated. In addition, these power of attorney documents are necessary for adult children to have priority in making these decisions, and guardianship proceedings will be required if there are no children or family members.

Disputes between the adult children of unmarried couples are common if a comprehensive estate plan still needs to be completed. For example, imagine a partner of many decades becoming too ill to communicate their end-of-life wishes. Even after a lifetime together, the adult children will have the legal upper hand, regardless of what the couple has discussed as their wishes for this situation.

It may be challenging for unmarried couples to discuss their living arrangements and family dynamics. However, the experienced estate planning attorney has met with and helped families of all kinds and will have the knowledge to prepare an estate plan to address all family dynamics.

Once this work is done, the couple can rest easy, knowing they have protected each other in the best and worst circumstances.

Questions? Contact us to schedule a complimentary initial call with one of our experienced estate planning attorneys.

Reference: My Prime Time News (May 1, 2023) “Estate Planning for Unmarried Couples”

Sims & Campbell, LLC – Annapolis and Towson Estate Planning Attorneys

Read more about the article How is Estate Planning Used to Distribute Property? – Annapolis and Towson Estate Planning

How is Estate Planning Used to Distribute Property? – Annapolis and Towson Estate Planning

One of the tasks of estate planning is to distribute property, through a variety of ways. A recent article from The News-Enterprise, “How property passes upon death is central to estate planning,” says there are generally four ways to pass property after death.

Beneficiary accounts. Any type of account with a beneficiary designation listed on the account paperwork passes directly to the beneficiary. Most people think of life insurance proceeds as the typical beneficiary designation. However, this can also include investment accounts, some retirement accounts and payable-on-death (POD) or transferable-on-death (TOD) accounts. It’s also possible for real estate property to have a beneficiary designation.

The individual owns property with a beneficiary designation during life but upon death; the property passes directly to the beneficiary. It’s a quick process, usually requiring a death certificate and perhaps other paperwork to pass the asset to the beneficiary.

The primary problem with using a POD or TOD account in this way is what happens if the beneficiary is disabled and is receiving means-tested government benefits. Receiving assets directly could put the person’s entire benefits structure at risk.

Jointly owned property. If an account or property is held jointly and includes survivorship language, the joint owner will own the entire share of the property upon the death of the first co-owner. Without the proper survivorship language, the decedent’s share of the property will pass through probate.

Jointly owned property is commonly how a married couple own assets. There are potential risks involved. If property or assets are left to one spouse, when the surviving spouse dies, the survivor’s separate beneficiaries may inherit the assets rather than the decedent’s intended beneficiaries.

Similarly, suppose one child is added to an account so they may continue to pay bills. In that case, the named child will become the account’s new owner upon the parent’s death, and they will have no legal requirement to share the account with siblings or other beneficiaries.

Trusts. Trusts provide the most control for managing assets during life and after death. Property held in trust does not pass through probate and goes directly to the beneficiary as per the instructions in the trust. In addition, a trust created with an experienced estate planning attorney includes provisions for distributing assets owned by the trust if the beneficiary is disabled, incapacitated, or a minor child, potentially offering significant asset protection for the grantor—the person creating the trust—and beneficiaries.

Property not falling into any of these categories is distributed via a will and through probate. If the decedent had a will, the executor must file it with the court. If there is no will, then a probate case must still be established. However, the distribution of assets will be according to the laws of the state of residence, regardless of the decedent’s wishes.

An estate planning attorney reviews their client’s property and unique situation and prepares an estate plan to distribute property in the most ideal manner based on the client’s goals.

Contact us to schedule your complimentary initial call with one of our experienced estate planning attorneys.

Reference: The News-Enterprise (May 6, 2023) “How property passes upon death is central to estate planning”

Sims & Campbell, LLC – Annapolis and Towson Estate Planning Attorneys

Read more about the article Will In-Laws Inherit If I Don’t Have a Will? – Annapolis and Towson Estate Planning

Will In-Laws Inherit If I Don’t Have a Will? – Annapolis and Towson Estate Planning

State inheritance laws prioritize spouses, children and other blood relatives ahead of in-laws. However, how those individuals handle their share of an inherited estate can determine whether an in-law receives any assets.

Yahoo’s recent article, “Can I Leave Inheritance Money to In-Laws?” explains that state inheritance laws say who can be an estate heir. These individuals are typically directly related to the decedent by marriage, blood, or adoption. In order of priority, people who can inherit from someone under state law include spouses, children, siblings, parents, grandchildren, aunts and uncles and cousins.

However, an in-law may get some of an estate if they marry a direct heir.

You can leave assets to your in-laws if you want them to inherit from your estate. The easiest way to do this is to leave instructions in your will as to what assets they should inherit. You could also ask an experienced estate planning attorney about creating a trust to give assets to in-laws.

Some people may want to leave something to a son or daughter-in-law. However, others may seek to exclude them from inheriting altogether. To protect an inheritance from in-laws, you can create a trust that allows you to leave assets to family members. In addition, the trust can state that anyone not a blood relative can be excluded from receiving assets.

A prenuptial agreement for your child is another option. This might have terms that state how assets you pass on to your child should be handled during your lifetime and beyond. You could also raise the prospect of a postnuptial agreement after they’re married. The document would dictate what happens to their assets (and anything they’ve inherited from you) if they are divorced.

Every family situation is unique, and you might have questions about where in-laws fit into your estate plan. Ask an experienced estate planning attorney to discuss this with you.

Questions? Contact us to schedule a complimentary initial call with one of our experienced estate planning attorneys.

Reference: Yahoo (Jan. 8, 2023) “Can I Leave Inheritance Money to In-Laws?”

Sims & Campbell, LLC – Annapolis and Towson Estate Planning Attorneys

Read more about the article What are the Consequences of Dying Without a Will? – Annapolis and Towson Estate Planning
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What are the Consequences of Dying Without a Will? – Annapolis and Towson Estate Planning

Someone who dies (the “decedent”) with a legal will is known to have a testate inheritance. As such, their assets are distributed according to their will. A person who dies without a legitimate will has an intestate estate. Their assets are distributed according to the laws of inheritance.

Yahoo’s recent article, “What Happens If I Die Without a Valid Will?” says that estate planning is a local area of the law, so specific rules governing estate planning vary greatly from state to state.

When you die, all of your property is called your estate. If you die with a valid and enforceable will, then your estate is distributed in the following way:

  1. First, all attorney’s fees related to managing your estate are set aside for payment;
  2. The person managing your estate (the executor) then pays any debts that you had with the assets in your estate;
  3. Finally, after paying off all debts, your estate is distributed according to the instructions in your will.

Liabilities don’t transfer through an estate, so while you can inherit someone’s property, you can’t inherit their debts. However, debts can affect an inheritance in several ways. The first case is when liabilities transfer with the property. Therefore, if the decedent owed unpaid property taxes or a mortgage on their house and then left you that property if you wanted the house, you’d also have to take responsibility for paying those debts. If you don’t, the executor will sell the house, settle the debts and transfer any remaining money to you.

Second, liabilities can reduce a potential inheritance. Here, if someone leaves you $100,000 in their will but also has $40,000 in unpaid debts, you’d only get $60,000 because that’s what would be left. If the debts exceed the estate’s value, the individual dies insolvent, and their heirs would get nothing.

Other than managing liabilities like debt and taxes, a person can use their will to distribute their assets in almost any way they want. It’s important to understand this because many think family members automatically have a right to inherit money or property. This isn’t so.

Contact us to schedule a complimentary initial call with one of our experienced estate planning attorneys.

Reference: Yahoo (Jan. 27, 2023) “What Happens If I Die Without a Valid Will?”

Sims & Campbell, LLC – Annapolis and Towson Estate Planning Attorneys 

Read more about the article Can I Keep Stepchildren Out of Estate Plan? – Annapolis and Towson Estate Planning

Can I Keep Stepchildren Out of Estate Plan? – Annapolis and Towson Estate Planning

Parents in second marriages may want to leave assets to their children and try to make sure that their stepchildren don’t inherit. However, if stepchildren inherit, it can create resentment leading to legal disputes that can cost the estate significantly in delay and attorney fees.

AOL’s recent article, “How to Protect Assets From Stepchildren,” says that taking specific estate planning steps will let you effectively protect your assets from stepchildren.

If a stepchild inherits some of your assets, your children may feel cheated out of their rightful inheritance. Therefore, they may contest any awards to stepchildren to protect their interests.

Your children will be recognized as heirs to your estate even without a will naming them as beneficiaries. Stepchildren don’t have the same rights.

In most cases, they won’t inherit from a deceased stepparent’s estate unless specifically listed as beneficiaries in the will. However, stepchildren still may receive assets from your estate if your spouse dies after you and leaves assets to their children. Preventing stepchildren from ever getting assets from your estate can be done. However, it requires definite action to exclude them as beneficiaries.

If your spouse from a second or later marriage dies first, you usually don’t have to do anything to prevent stepchildren from receiving assets you control.

Even after an intestate death that happens without a valid will, stepchildren typically aren’t recognized as having any right to assets in the estate. However, some states grant stepchildren some rights of inheritance. Ask an experienced estate planning attorney about this.

In addition, a will can name specific people, including stepchildren, and exclude them from receiving benefits from the estate.

Using a trust, you can ALSO prevent stepchildren from getting assets from your estate after you die.

This can help avoid conflicts and potential litigation from children upset because stepchildren received assets from the estate.

Remember that if you fail to act, stepchildren can still benefit even at the expense of your children if, for example, you die before your spouse, who then names their children as beneficiaries of the estate.

Contact us to review your estate plan with one of our experienced estate planning attorneys.

Reference: AOL (April 26, 2023) “How to Protect Assets From Stepchildren”

Sims & Campbell, LLC – Annapolis and Towson Estate Planning Attorneys 

Read more about the article What to Do When a Spouse Dies – Annapolis and Towson Estate Planning

What to Do When a Spouse Dies – Annapolis and Towson Estate Planning

The death of a spouse is one of life’s most stressful events and is an overwhelming experience. Having to deal with life’s legal and financial aspects while grieving is a challenge, says a recent article, “What To Do After The Death Of A Spouse,” from Forbes. One thing to note: all tasks don’t have to be done at once.

What does need to be done promptly is making funeral arrangements, notifying family and friends and alerting your estate planning attorney. Other immediate steps include:

  • Obtaining multiple copies of the death certificate
  • Asking a friend or relative to watch the house during the funeral. Burglaries often occur during funerals, when burial plans are public.
  • Arrange for any pets to be cared for.

There are a number of things to avoid as well. Letting grief and fear delay important actions can lead to larger estate problems. Don’t neglect to contact Social Security to report the death and monitor tax and other deadlines. Don’t start giving away assets, whatever persistent family members may say. You’ll need to go through the estate process properly. Assets are not distributed until all other tasks have been completed.

Legal and financial documents must be gathered and reviewed, including bank statements, investment accounts, retirement accounts and beneficiary designations, life insurance policies, estate planning documents and outstanding debts or liabilities.

Bills need to be paid. This can become problematic. For example, were the bills paid from joint accounts, your or your spouse’s account? Do you have a list of all accounts? Is it okay to pay a joint bill from your bank account? Do you need to change regularly made payments formerly made from your deceased spouse’s account to your account?

Hopefully, you and your spouse had the right estate planning documents completed beforehand. Next, contact your estate planning attorney to discuss the will and any trusts. Assets owned by your spouse only will likely go through probate. Assets with beneficiary designations, like retirement accounts or life insurance policy proceeds, will go directly to the beneficiaries.

The surviving spouse needs to file taxes for themselves and the deceased spouse by April 15 of the following year. Discuss with your estate planning attorney whether or not you’ll need to file a federal or state estate tax return, which is due nine months after death. Note that these may need to be filed even if no tax is due.

Questions? Contact us to schedule a complimentary initial call with one of our experienced estate planning attorneys.

Reference: Forbes (April 20, 2023) “What To Do After The Death Of A Spouse”

Sims & Campbell, LLC – Annapolis and Towson Estate Planning Attorneys 

Read more about the article Do Heirs Have to Pay Debts from an Estate? – Annapolis and Towson Estate Planning

Do Heirs Have to Pay Debts from an Estate? – Annapolis and Towson Estate Planning

Part of estate planning is considering how future repayment of debts, both owed to the person and debts they are responsible for, will impact inheritances received by beneficiaries. A recent article from Lake County News, “Estate Planning: Debts and Estate Planning,” explains how the process works.

Assets passing to a beneficiary directly, outside of probate, are not typically subject to paying a decedent’s debts. These are life insurance proceeds, joint tenancy assets, Payable on Death (POD) and Transfer on Death (TOD), to name a few.

The estate plan must consider how much debt exists and how it might be paid. One approach is to purchase life insurance made payable to the trust estate.

A person may specifically gift real property, which would be subject to repaying an outstanding debt, like a mortgage.

If the beneficiary who would otherwise receive the residence takes it subject to repaying the secured debt, other assets in the estate would need to be reduced to pay the debt.

This should be addressed when the estate plan is created and must be expressly documented. If not addressed, the default rule is that any secured debt goes with the gift. It’s not likely to have been the plan. However, this is how the law works.

Third, parents and children may loan money between themselves. This is usually between parent and child.

Such family debts merit attention during estate planning. For example, parents may wish to loan money to a child to pay higher education costs, to buy a home, or to launch a business.

Upon the death of the parent, should any unpaid balance be repaid by the child to the parent’s estate, or should the child’s debt be forgiven? This must also be clearly stated in the will or trust, whatever is relevant.

If the parent wishes the child to pay the unpaid balance, the debt obligation and its payment history must be in writing and updated. The debt may be assigned to the parent’s trust and enforced by the successor trustee.

At death, the unpaid balance would need to be added back into the estate’s value to arrive at the correct gross value necessary to assess each share of the total estate.

The unpaid balance is usually subtracted from the debtor’s share.

Children might also be owed money from a parent. For example, the adult child might provide at-home personal care services to their parent, or money may be lent to help with the parent’s cost of living. The debt and repayment history also needs to be in writing and updated regularly.

Debt must be acknowledged, and the means of repaying the debt must be made clear. An estate planning attorney will help document and build repayment into the estate plan.

Contact us to review your estate plan with one of our experienced estate planning attorneys.

Reference: Lake Country News (April 29, 2023) “Estate Planning: Debts and Estate Planning”

Sims & Campbell, LLC – Annapolis and Towson Estate Planning Attorneys

Read more about the article What Three Things Do People Overlook on Estate Planning Benefits? – Annapolis and Towson Estate Planning

What Three Things Do People Overlook on Estate Planning Benefits? – Annapolis and Towson Estate Planning

An estate plan is important for everyone. Without a legally enforceable estate plan, a court may apply state laws and decide how your assets will be distributed and who will raise your minor children. In addition to allowing you to direct the wrap-up of your affairs after you are gone, an estate plan can also help you reduce taxes, expedite settling your estate and reduce conflict in your family.

Yahoo Finance’s recent article, “3 Overlooked Benefits of Estate Planning,” explains that planning your estate entails making arrangements to ensure that your wishes are carried out after your death.

While some think estate planning is only for those with mansions and millions in the bank, this isn’t true. Instead, even those with modest assets can benefit from having a defined estate plan.

Remember that the estate planning process isn’t about how much you have—it’s about making sure what you do have ends up where you want it. It may also decide who will be responsible for raising any minor children who survive you.

Your estate plan can also affect taxes, the time it takes to settle your estate, your end-of-life medical care and the odds that your family will fight over it.

Deciding who gets what is the big question of many estate plans. Your estate consists of the assets, property and personal items you own at your death. This may include real estate, bank accounts, life insurance, stocks and investments, retirement accounts, and personal property like collectibles, vehicles, art and jewelry.

The documents in estate plans include a last will and testament, a living will, financial and medical powers of attorney and documents establishing various trusts.

Start your estate plan today with the help of an experienced estate planning attorney and review it periodically to accommodate marriages, divorces and births. The process often includes reviewing your property and wishes, drafting a will, naming an executor, assigning healthcare and financial proxies and settling other matters, like funeral arrangements.

Questions? Contact us to schedule your complimentary initial call with one of our experienced estate planning attorneys.

Reference: Yahoo Finance (April 24, 2023) “3 Overlooked Benefits of Estate Planning”

Sims & Campbell, LLC – Annapolis and Towson Estate Planning Attorneys 

Read more about the article Singles Need Estate Planning to Protect During Lifetime – Annapolis and Towson Estate Planning Attorneys

Singles Need Estate Planning to Protect During Lifetime – Annapolis and Towson Estate Planning Attorneys

Estate planning is even more critical for singles than married couples—and it has nothing to do with whom you’ll leave assets to when you die. A recent article from AARP, “6 Estate Planning Tips for Singles,” explains how estate planning addresses support during challenging life events.

Estate planning addresses medical and financial decisions for an incapacitated person. For singles, there may be more complex questions to answer.

Whether someone has never married or is divorced or widowed, these are challenging questions to answer. However, they must be documented. Additionally, singles with minor children need to nominate a trusted person who can care for their children if they cannot. Estate planning addresses all of these issues.

To be sure you complete this process, start with a conversation with an experienced estate planning attorney. This will help with accountability, ensuring that you start and finish the process.

Here are some pointers for singles who keep putting this vital task off:

What would happen if you don’t leave clear instructions about who will make medical decisions in case of incapacity? A doctor who doesn’t know your wishes will decide for you. If you don’t want to be placed on a ventilator for artificial breathing or fed by a stomach tube while in a coma, the decision will be made regardless of your wishes.

Dying without a will is known as dying “intestate.” All of your assets will be distributed according to the intestate succession laws in your state. If no relatives come forward to claim your property, the state receives your assets. This is not what most people want.

Part of your estate plan includes naming a personal representative—an executor—who will oversee your affairs after your death. You’ll want to designate someone who is organized, has good judgment and can handle financial matters. You should also name a backup, so that if the first person cannot or does not wish to serve, there will be someone else to take control. Otherwise, the court will name someone who doesn’t even know you to take on this task. It’s better to designate someone than leave this to the state.

Your estate plan includes the following:

Last will and testament. This is where you nominate your executor, heirs and how your assets will be distributed. You can also appoint a guardian for minor children. Note that anyone named as a beneficiary on a retirement, insurance policy, or investment account supersedes any instructions in your will, so be sure to update those and check on them every few years to be sure they are still aligned with your wishes.

Living trust. This is a legal entity owning assets to be given to beneficiaries, managed by a trustee of your choosing, and avoids the delays and costs of probate.

Financial Power of Attorney (FPOA). This document authorizes someone you name to act as your agent and make financial decisions if you cannot. An FPOA can prevent delays in accessing bank and investment accounts and paying your bills. The FPOA ends upon your death.

Living will, durable medical power of attorney, or advance health care directive. These documents allow you to designate someone to communicate your health care wishes when you cannot. For example, you can include instructions on pain management, organ donation and your wishes for life support measures.

Health care power of attorney (HPOA). Like the living will, which is more associated with end-of-life care, the HPOA lets someone make medical treatment decisions on their behalf.

Be sure to communicate your wishes with family and friends. Tell your executor where your documents may be found and provide them with the information they’ll need so they may act on your behalf.

Contact us to speak with one of our experienced estate planning attorneys.

Reference: AARP (April 7, 2023) “6 Estate Planning Tips for Singles”

Sims & Campbell, LLC – Annapolis and Towson Estate Planning Attorneys 

Read more about the article Should You have a Pet Trust Created? – Annapolis and Towson Estate Planning

Should You have a Pet Trust Created? – Annapolis and Towson Estate Planning

The infamous Leona Helmsley was the subject of as many headlines after her death as when she was alive, mainly because she left millions in trust for her dog, “Trouble.” However, you don’t have to have millions to want to protect your faithful pet’s future in the event of your passing, according to a recent article, “Pet Trusts Are Worth the ‘Trouble’” from Wealth Management.

Pets are legally considered the personal property of their owner, in the same way, one owns a house or a car. If no planning has been done, your heirs can inherit the ownership of your pet. However, they won’t be required to care for your pet. Instead, they can take the pet to a local shelter or, as often happens, abandon it. However, there are steps you can take to protect your animal companion.

Ask two friends or relatives if they would be willing to serve as emergency and/or long-term caretakers. Provide them with contact information for your veterinarian, discuss your wishes about what should happen to your pet and make sure they have each other’s contact information. Have a frank discussion of how expenses will be covered and stay in touch with them. Circumstances can change over time; if they move, have a health issue, or can’t manage the care of your pet, you’ll want to know about it.

Planning for pets has both legal and financial considerations. A pet trust may be created as part of a living trust or as a stand-alone trust. The named trustee has access to funds, and the language of the trust includes directions as to how funds should be used for your pet and how to distribute any remaining funds upon the death of your pet. Pet trusts are now valid in all states.

Note that a verbal agreement to care for your pet may not be legally enforceable. Therefore, you may prefer to use a pet trust. While you can put a provision in your will for the care of your pet, unlike a trust arrangement, there is no continuing obligation for the executor under a will to ensure the pet’s well-being once the estate administration is completed. Instead, you’ll have to count on the moral commitment of the caregiver to take care of your pet.

Planning for your protection shows why a pet trust is a good idea. For example, your Power of Attorney names an agent to act on your behalf in the event of your own physical or mental incapacity. It is possible to include specific funds in a Power of Attorney to maintain and support companion animals. However, this terminates on your death. A trust remains in effect for as long as the terms dictate, whether you are incapacitated or deceased.

Another option is to make arrangements with a humane society or animal rescue group to take possession and care of your pet. This may require making a specific donation to the group and having confidence that the organization will be operational as long as your pet lives.

Speak with your estate planning attorney about your state’s rules on pet trusts and plan for yourself and your beloved animal companion. You’ll then rest easy knowing you are both protected.

Contact us to review your estate plan with one of our experienced estate planning attorneys.

Reference: Wealth Management (April 14, 2023) “Pet Trusts Are Worth the ‘Trouble’”

Sims & Campbell, LLC – Annapolis and Towson Estate Planning Attorneys