In a perfect world, the Settlor of a trust would sit down with a potential Trustee and discuss the position to ensure that the individual was comfortable with, and prepared for, the role of Trustee. In the imperfect world that we live in, however, it doesn’t always happen that way. Instead, you may only learn of your appointment as a Trustee after the death of the Settlor. Regardless of how or when you learn that you were appointed as a Trustee, you undoubtedly want to succeed at the position. … [Read more...]
How Do I Include Cryptocurrency in My Estate Plan?
If you are someone who is particularly tech savvy, or who likes to get in on the ground floor of the “next big thing,” there is a very good chance that you own cryptocurrency. If you do, it is important to identify it as an asset within your estate plan. Because of the unique characteristics of this type of currency, failing to identify and include it in your estate plan could cause it to be lost forever after you are gone. To ensure that does not happen, a Beverly area estate planning attorney … [Read more...]
I Received a Crummey Notice. What Does It Mean?
Are you a trust beneficiary who just received a “Crummey notice?” If so, you may be a bit confused as to the purpose of the notice. Does the notice directly impact you? Is there something you are required to do after receiving the notice? To help clarify those concerns, a North Andover area trust attorney at DeBruyckere Law Offices discusses what to do after receiving a Crummey notice.Understanding Your Role as a Trust BeneficiaryA trust is a legal arrangement wherein one party (the … [Read more...]
Holiday Scams and How to Avoid Becoming a Victim
The holidays are supposed to be a time of goodwill and cheer – and for most of us they are. Unfortunately, this time of year is also when scam artists start trolling for victims. Anyone can fall victim to a talented fraudster; however, the elderly are at a heightened risk of being victimized for several reasons. Not only do they tend to have more disposable income, but they are also typically more trusting and less technologically adept, making them ideal targets for scammers. To help you avoid … [Read more...]
What Can I Do to Prevent a Will Contest after I am Gone?
If you have taken the time to create a Last Will and Testament, you undoubtedly did so with the hope that doing so will ensure that your estate assets will be handled according to your wishes during the administration of your estate. If someone challenges your Will, however, it could result in those wishes being ignored and the state deciding what happens to your assets. A North Andover area estate planning attorney at DeBruyckere Law Offices offers some steps you can take that will help prevent … [Read more...]
Tips to Help You Choose the Best Nursing Home for Your Mother
Watching your mother succumb to the physical and/or mental deterioration that comes with the natural aging process is not easy. Reaching the decision that your mother can no longer safely care for herself is even more difficult. On the other hand, leaving your mother home alone could result in serious injury. Realizing that should make the decision to look into a nursing home a little bit easier to accept. Once you have made that decision, finding the right facility becomes your priority. To … [Read more...]
How Do I Terminate a Trust?
Although a Last Will and Testament remains the most commonly used estate planning document, trust agreements are not far behind in terms of popularity. Consequently, there is a very good chance that you will find yourself involved in the administration of a trust at some point in your life. Whether you are the creator of a trust, a beneficiary, or a Trustee, there may come a time when you wish to terminate the trust. A Nashua area estate planning attorney at DeBruyckere Law Offices explains how … [Read more...]
Reasons to Update Your Estate Plan: Relocating for Retirement
Are you close to retiring? If so, and you are also contemplating a move to another state or even abroad for your retirement years, you should also take the time to update your estate plan. A North Andover estate planning attorney at DeBruyckere Law Offices explains why relocating for retirement calls for a review and revision of your existing estate plan.The Importance of Updating Your Estate PlanPeople frequently put off creating an estate plan, in part because they fail to understand the … [Read more...]
The Questions of Estate Planning, Part 4: Where
People often have questions about Estate Planning. This is the fourth in a series of articles addressing those questions. This fourth article addresses the “where” of Estate Planning. Read on to learn more.The Questions of Estate Planning, Part 4: Where … [Read more...]
The Questions of Estate Planning, Part 3: When
People often have questions about Estate Planning. This is the third in a series of articles addressing those questions. This third article addresses “when” to do Estate Planning. Read on to learn more.The Questions of Estate Planning, Part 3: When … [Read more...]
