If someone was incapacitated or died then an estate plan could help instruct how the individual’s finances were managed. Typically, the individual’s assets, such as their savings, properties and insurance policies are dispersed between family and friends listed in the...
Estate Planning
How may estate planning help my heirs avoid probate in Montana?
Montana’s probate code allows certain heirs to skip probate court procedures when a deceased’s estate has a value of less than $50,000. As noted by SmartAsset, if heirs do not contest a will, they may instead settle the estate through an “informal” probate process....
3 things to consider when including your pet in your estate plan
Pet ownership has increased significantly over the past decades. Whether you have dogs, cats or other kinds of pets, it is clear that they truly become part of the family, and we have grown to be a pet-loving culture in the United States. According to Forbes, as of...
Why you still need an estate plan if you never had children
Many Montana residents who never make estate plans cite similar reasons for failing to do so. Some believe they lack sufficient assets and therefore do not need an estate plan. Others believe that, because they never had children, they do not need to put a will and...
Do you need to update your estate plan?
Having an estate plan allows you to protect your assets, give guidance to your heirs and plan for a successful future. Forgetting to update it as your life changes can render it inoperable. Knowing when to modify your plan can help you preserve its integrity and...
What can a trust accomplish that a will cannot?
Not everyone shares the same estate planning goals, and you may face unique challenges or circumstances as you work on your Montana estate plan. While a will is an important and necessary part of any Montana estate plan, there are limits to what a will does. However,...
How can your family benefit from creating a trust?
While you might generally associate the term "trust fund" with the wealthy, the creation of a trust can be an excellent tool to preserve assets for heirs. Your family could benefit from a trust when you understand how the contract can safeguard assets. What is a...
Who should you choose as beneficiaries?
Selecting beneficiaries for your estate in Montana is a process that requires careful consideration. Sometimes, choosing who to name can seem impossible and overwhelming. Knowing some strategies for naming beneficiaries may improve your confidence. Over time, you may...
Going over the benefits of a special needs trust
If you are in the process of setting up an estate plan, it is essential to review your options closely. Moreover, you need to understand that when it comes to estate planning, everyone is in a unique situation. For example, if you have a family member with a...