A majority of Americans don’t have a Will. One of the top reasons? It’s too overwhelming and complicated. Although Wills are arguably one of the most important legal documents in an average person’s lifetime, most of us fail to complete one before passing away. We get it. It seems like a daunting, intimidating task. But making a Will is necessary.
When you pass away without a Will, you have no control over where your assets go, or, even scarier, who will care for your minor children. That power now belongs in the hands of your state court system.
With a LegalShield Membership, you have access to an estate planning benefit at no extra charge. Fortunately, our process is very simple and streamlined.
While you aren’t required to have an attorney create your Will, it is recommended. An attorney will help ensure that your Will is accurate, complete, and adheres to your state’s laws. Some issues you may want to consider when completing a Will:
One of the biggest perks of being a LegalShield Member is the estate planning benefit. For no extra charge from your monthly subscription, you have access to an estate planning attorney who will create and finalize your Will with you within just a few weeks. The process is simple and quick:
By becoming a LegalShield Member, you have access to a provider law firm that can assist you with your estate planning, plus any other personal legal matter you come across.
Written and maintained by the LegalShield content team, covering legal and identity protection topics for individuals, families, and small businesses.
We’ll provide more information about the trustors vs. trustees comparison, what to consider when filling these roles, and how they work together in Revocable and Irrevocable Trusts.
A power of attorney with springing powers is a legal document that grants someone else the authority to act on your behalf only after a specific event occurs.
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There’s no rule that says a lawyer has to set up your Trust for it to be valid. However, Trusts are complex and doing it yourself without a lawyer's help comes with risks.
A Certificate of Trust proves your Trust is real and names who can act for it, while your beneficiaries and assets stay private. It lets your Trustee handle Trust business, like opening accounts or transferring property.
A limited power of attorney often comes in handy when you need help for a short time or for a single purpose. This legal document can help in situations like when you’re traveling, serving in the military, caring for an aging parent, or sending a child to study abroad.
We’ll cover some of the most common scams, the red flags that give them away, how to protect yourself, and what to do if you’ve already been caught out.
An executor is responsible for ensuring your final wishes get carried out, so it’s important that you choose someone who is responsible and can bear the emotional burden.
An employer identification number is a nine-digit number the IRS uses to identify a taxpayer. The estate needs its own, and getting one is usually simpler than it sounds. Learn more about estate EINs.
