growing tree with the word family - per stirpes

What Does Per Stirpes Mean

What Is Per Stirpes? The meaning of “Per stirpes” is a legal term (which in Latin means “by branch”) usually included in the Last Will and Testament or beneficiary designations for individual retirement accounts (IRAs). By branch, as in down the family tree branches. If a beneficiary (someone who would receive an inheritance), predeceases (dies…

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Estate Planning advice for parents with baby

#1 Estate Planning Advice For Soon-To-Be Parents

As a soon-to-be parent, you want to make sure that your little human is completely taken care of, from the minute you hear that first cry. The preparations begin months before the arrival of your bundle of joy, and the internet is full of all kinds of advice for parents, checklists, to-dos, tips & tricks,…

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what is probate - ct probate for dummies

Connecticut Probate Process For Dummies

If you are like most people, just the word Probate sounds so menacing that it can make your head spin. What is probate? Do you always go through probate when someone dies? Which assets get probated and which ones don’t? Do I need a probate attorney? How much does it cost? How long will it…

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joint tenancy vs. tenants in common

Joint Tenancy Vs Tenants-In-Common

If you’ve never purchased a property, you may not know what I’m talking about. Both Joint Tenancy with right of survivorship and tenants-in-common dictate how a property is owned and who inherits it when one or more of the owners passes away. In Connecticut, tenancy in common is the default interest for a deed with…

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life events that make you update your estate plan documents

5 Everyday Events That Affect Your Estate Plan

Once you execute your estate planning documents, it is important to set up reminders to review these documents periodically. There are many life changes that can affect the decisions you’ve made regarding your estate plan and the people you’ve named in it. 1. The Law Changes When you executed your estate planning documents, you may…

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ethical will

What Is an Ethical Will?

An Ethical Will is the story of your life. All the personal knowledge, lessons, and tips you could pass on to your loved ones.

Unlike a traditional will, which focuses more on significant assets and money, the intention of an ethical will is to communicate your hopes, dreams, love, and learning for all future generations.

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