Estate Planning Leigh Cowden Estate Planning Leigh Cowden

Understanding the IRS’s Final Regulations on Required Minimum Distributions from Retirement Accounts

Retirement planning involves many crucial decisions, one of which is managing Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs). The IRS’s recent final regulations on RMDs bring significant updates that everyone with retirement accounts should understand. This article aims to break down these regulations and explain their implications.

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Estate Planning Leigh Cowden Estate Planning Leigh Cowden

Revocable vs. Irrevocable Trusts: What are the Key Differences?

When it comes to estate planning, trusts are powerful tools that can help manage and protect your assets. Among the various types of trusts, revocable and irrevocable trusts are two of the most commonly used. Understanding the key differences between these two can help you make informed decisions about your estate plan. In this article, we’ll break down the main distinctions and benefits of revocable and irrevocable trusts.

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Estate Planning Leigh Cowden Estate Planning Leigh Cowden

Special Needs Trust: What You Need to Know

Planning for the future care and financial stability of a loved one with special needs can be a complex and sensitive task. One effective way to ensure their well-being is by setting up a Special Needs Trust (SNT). This legal arrangement can help provide for their needs without jeopardizing their eligibility for government benefits. Here’s what you need to know about creating a Special Needs Trust.

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Estate Planning Leigh Cowden Estate Planning Leigh Cowden

Understanding Holographic Wills: What You Need to Know

A holographic Will is a unique form of Last Will and Testament, distinguished by its handwritten and informal nature. Unlike traditional Wills, which are typically typed, witnessed, and notarized, a holographic Will is written entirely by the testator (the person making the Will) in their own handwriting and does not usually require witnesses. Despite its simplicity, this type of Will has specific legal requirements and implications that are important to understand. In this article, we will delve into the definition, requirements, advantages, disadvantages, and legal considerations of holographic Wills.

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Estate Planning Leigh Cowden Estate Planning Leigh Cowden

General Durable Power of Attorney and Health Care Power of Attorney: What You Need to Know

When planning for the future, establishing a power of attorney (POA) is a critical step to ensure your affairs are managed according to your wishes if you become unable to make decisions yourself due to disability or incapacity. Two common types of POAs are the General Durable Power of Attorney and the Health Care Power of Attorney. Understanding the differences between these two can help you make informed decisions and ensure comprehensive planning. In this article, we’ll explore what financial and medical powers of attorney are, their key differences, and why you need both.

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Estate Planning Leigh Cowden Estate Planning Leigh Cowden

Understanding Probate

Probatea term often associated with legal complexities and delays in estate settlement—plays a significant role in the distribution of assets after an individual’s passing. However, many people are unaware of what the Probate process entails and how it impacts their estate planning goals. In this article, we’ll explore the concept of Probate, its implications, and how it can be avoided through the strategic use of trusts.

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