inherited property

So You Inherited a Property. Now What?

Many families mistakenly believe that receiving an inherited property is as simple as listening to a reading of the Will and then that property magically belongs to you and you can do whatever you want with it. Sorry to burst that bubble, but a reading of the will is not a real thing – that’s…

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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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what is a non borrowing spouse of a Reverse Mortgage holder

What Is a Non-Borrowing Spouse of a Reverse Mortgage?

The federal government has expanded access to protections for the non-borrowing spouse of a reverse mortgage holder who is not named in the loan document, allowing more such spouses the ability to stay in their home if the borrowing spouse dies or moves to a care facility. Reverse Mortgage Protection Prior To 2014 A reverse…

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benefits of a living trust

3 Simple Benefits Of a Living Trust

What Is a Living Trust? A living trust is an agreement in which a settlor (the person who creates the trust) appoints a trustee, to manage the assets within the trust, on behalf of the beneficiary or beneficiaries named in it. The beneficiary can be you or anyone else you name. It’s called a “living…

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statutory power of attorney

Statutory Power of Attorney Issues With Self Dealing

Today’s video talks about the language of a statutory power of attorney document and the limitations it has when it comes “self dealing”. Essentially, your Power of attorney may not have the ability to transfer assets to themselves. This becomes a problem when you have a couple who are each other’s POAs. I hope this…

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What to include in a will

What To Include In a Will – A Simple Checklist

The first question you need to ask yourself is if the last will and testament the only thing you need. The reason why most people don’t ask themselves this question is because they are not aware that there is anything else. In most cases, if you think you need a will, you probably need an…

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