Why having a will matters—even for modest households
A will allows you to decide what happens to your property and responsibilities after your death. You can choose who will receive your belongings, even those that may be modest in value and who will manage your affairs. Without one, state law may take over and decide...
Can you disinherit stepchildren legally?
You may question whether it's legally permissible to exclude stepchildren from your estate plan. In Mississippi, the answer is yes, but only if you express your intentions clearly and formally. Without precise documentation, your wishes may not be honored under state...
Is making a will considered estate planning?
Estate planning plays a vital role in safeguarding your future. Many people wonder if making a will is sufficient for estate planning. While a will is an essential component, estate planning encompasses much more. Understanding estate planning Estate planning involves...
What is a spendthrift trust?
If you want to protect financial assets for someone you care about, consider using a spendthrift trust. This legal tool lets you control how and when to distribute funds. It also shields those resources from creditors and reckless financial behavior. How a spendthrift...
Do you believe these five estate planning myths?
Many people avoid estate planning because they believe a variety of myths and misconceptions. However, estate planning is an important step for many people, and it is important to understand the truth when approaching the process. What should you know? Myth 1: Estate...
Updating your estate plan post-divorce
Divorce changes many aspects of life, including your estate plan. It is crucial to update your documents to reflect your new situation. Here are key steps to consider after a divorce. Create a new will After a divorce, your estate plan needs a fresh start. If your...
These estate planning documents can protect college students
Parents getting ready to send their young adults off to college have a lot of practical issues to address. There are the costs of college tuition to consider, as well as the daily needs of a student who no longer has a parent to cook or clean for them. Additionally,...
What do I need to include in my estate plan?
Anyone who is reading this post is savvy enough to know that getting an estate plan is important. Knowing an estate plan is a good idea and actually getting it done are two different things. There are many things that may hold people back from putting an estate plan...
Why young adults in Mississippi need a living will and how to do it
Young adults may encounter unexpected situations like a severe accident or illness that leaves them incapable of making medical decisions. Healthcare directives and living wills are legal documents that tell doctors and family members what kind of medical care you...
Do I need an estate plan? Three times in life the answer is yes.
We often overlook estate planning when discussing life milestones, yet it is an important part of financial planning. Most agree that having an estate plan makes sense, yet only about 30% of Americans actually have one in place. Why the low number? Some find the idea...