Some of your assets will not be transferred to beneficiaries based on the instructions in your will. This includes things like: Retirement accounts (401K, 403b, 457, pension, IRA) Life insurance Annuities Transfer on death (TOD) or payable on death (POD) accounts. For these assets, you need to provide instructions directly to the financial institution. ContactContinueContinue reading “How Do I Update My Beneficiaries With Financial Institutions?”
Tag Archives: Maryland Attorney
What Happens at the Signing?
Mathews Law will help you get your documents signed so that you can move on with your life! The “signing” simply refers to the execution of your new estate plan. Mathews Law offers two options: You can have the signing at the office of Mathews Law, located in Old Town, Alexandria, or you can haveContinueContinue reading “What Happens at the Signing?”
Who Are Your Beneficiaries?
Decided where your assets should go after you die is one of the primary purposes of an estate plan. One of the most common questions people have is who should be their beneficiaries. The good news is this decision is entirely up to you. Your assets can go entirely to one person, to multiple people,ContinueContinue reading “Who Are Your Beneficiaries?”
What if I Need to Make Changes to My Documents?
This is your plan and changes can be made when needed. Before Signing If you are a current client and need to make changes to the documents before signing, simply let Mathews Law, PLLC know of the changes that need to be made. We will update your draft and send it to you for reviewContinueContinue reading “What if I Need to Make Changes to My Documents?”
What do my decision-makers do?
Your decision-makers will be responsible for ensuring your plan is followed and your wishes are honored. Here’s a description of the types of decision-makers in an estate plan: Medical Power of Attorney (or Medical Agent): Someone to make medical decisions for you if you cannot make them for yourself. This person only makes medical decisionsContinueContinue reading “What do my decision-makers do?”
Who Are Your Decision Makers?
Decision-makers are those who will make decisions for you when you cannot make them for yourself. These decision-makers are needed if you become disabled or when you die. Take the time to determine who decision-makers are early in the process to prevent delay. Prior to your consultation, we recommend determining both your primary and back-upContinueContinue reading “Who Are Your Decision Makers?”
Why A Divorced Parent Should Consider a Trust
Say you have minor kids, you pass away, and you leave money to be used for the benefit of your children (who are now under the full care of your ex). One option is, of course, to leave the money to your kids such that your ex manages the funds while the children are minors.ContinueContinue reading “Why A Divorced Parent Should Consider a Trust”
Misconceptions About Divorce and Property in Virginia
You might not think about estate planning when you are in the middle of a divorce – but you should. Remember, one of the primary purposes of estate planning is to make sure that your property goes where you want it to go, while you are alive and after you die. You can’t do thisContinueContinue reading “Misconceptions About Divorce and Property in Virginia”
What Is Probate?
What is probate? Probate is the court-managed process of settling an estate. The court oversees the process from start to finish. First, the court will review the will, if there is one, and appoint a personal representative(person who has authority to act on the estate’s behalf). Second, the personal representative must file accountings to theContinueContinue reading “What Is Probate?”
Do I Need a Trust or Is Just a Will ok?
The best answer is: it depends. A trust is a wonderful tool that brings a lot of peace of mind, but it may not be right for your individual situation. What is a trust? A trust is an entity that holds assets for your benefit and the benefit of beneficiaries. The trust document defines theContinueContinue reading “Do I Need a Trust or Is Just a Will ok?”