Introduction Estate planning is not a one-time event — it is an ongoing process that must evolve with your life, your family, and the law. Vermont attorneys who handle estates and probate repeatedly see the same preventable mistakes derail even the best of intentions. These errors range from a...
Not all of us are good with money. Some of us are just poor managers of it while others just spend it on gambling, other addictions, or whatever the case may be. If this describes someone whom you love and might want to help out financially through a trust, you may not want to risk them spending ...
The 12 Most CommonVermont Estate Planning Mistakes(And How to Avoid Every One of Them) Introduction Estate planning is not a one-time event — it is an ongoing process that must evolve with your life, your family, and the law. Vermont attorneys who handle estates and probate repeatedly see...
Introduction Trusts are among the most powerful and flexible tools in Vermont estate planning — yet they are also among the most misunderstood. Whether you are considering a living trust to avoid probate, an irrevocable trust for asset protection, or a special-purpose trust for a pet or a love...
Introduction When a loved one dies in Vermont, family members and estate representatives are often confronted with an unfamiliar legal process at one of the most difficult times of their lives. Probate — the court-supervised process for validating a will, settling debts, and distributing asset...
Vermont Estate Tax: The Foundation Before reviewing strategies, every Vermont family with assets approaching $5 million must understand the basics. Vermont is one of only 12 states plus D.C. with a state-level estate tax. The rules are specific to Vermont, and the gap between Vermont's $5 mill...
Trusts are among the most powerful and flexible tools in Vermont estate planning — yet they are also among the most misunderstood. Whether you are considering a living trust to avoid probate, an irrevocable trust for asset protection, or a special-purpose trust for a pet or a loved one with disab...
Vermont Guardianship: Your Most Common Questions, Answered
DIY estate planning can work for simple situations, but most people benefit from working with an estate planning attorney. This guide explains the key differences between DIY and attorney-drafted estate plans, including costs, risks, and how to avoid probate. If you want to ensure your estate plan is legally valid and fully effective, understanding these differences is essential.
Blended families are increasingly common in Vermont, and while they bring unique strengths, they also present significant estate-planning challenges. One of the most common—and heartbreaking—issues we see is the unintentional disinheritance of children due to outdated or incomplete estate plans. Without careful planning, Vermont law may distribute your assets in ways you never intended, especially when children from prior relationships are involved.
If both parents die or become incapacitated without a legally valid estate plan, a court will determine who will care for the child. Although courts aim to act in the child’s best interests, the outcome may not reflect the parents’ wishes and can result in family conflict, delays, and emotional stress. By naming long and short-term guardians in advance, parents retain control over who will raise their children, how they are raised, and the values with which they are raised, and can provide clarity during an otherwise uncertain time.
If you have a large estate and want to benefit it while doing good, charitable giving in Vermont may be the perfect option. Charitable giving as part of your estate planning is a great way to satisfy the desire to give to a cause you care about and take advantage of tax benefits. But knowing how to do it smartly is another thing altogether. If you’re passionate about supporting an important cause, a range of ways exist to incorporate charitable giving into your estate planning.
When it comes to estate planning for married couples in Vermont, many people focus on Wills and trusts but overlook the value of a postnuptial agreement. A postnup—created after marriage—can play a critical role in defining how assets and debts are owned, managed, and distributed. Whether you’re protecting an inheritance, planning for a blended family, or ensuring your property passes according to your wishes, a Vermont postnuptial agreement can provide clarity and peace of mind. By aligning your postnup with your estate plan, you can minimize future disputes, protect loved ones, and make sure your long-term financial goals are honored.
How To Use An Estate Plan To Protect A Child With Substance Abuse Issues.
How an Estate Plan in Vermont Helps a Child with Special Needs It’s simple, an estate plan can help make sure your child has all the necessities they need. Of course, it all depends on how you put your estate plan together to ensure they have what they need and more. If planned correctly, you can help provide: Money management that benefits the child for their lifetime Protection for public benefits Funds set aside for the future in case public funding is disrupted or restricted
A last will and testament is a document you create to instruct how you want your property distributed upon your death. Who gets the house? Who gets which antiques? Who gets a bank account? Who takes care of the pets? These are just some of the questions upon which a will answers and instructs, an...
Your estate plan in Vermont can include several documents, many of which may require beneficiaries, like any trusts you may have set up or intend to set up, and non-probate assets like 401(k), IRA accounts, life insurance policies, and pensions. Assets from these accounts will go to the beneficia...
Estate planning can be tricky, and it's easy to make mistakes. Here are some common pitfalls and tips on how to avoid them. One of the most common mistakes is not updating your will. Life changes—such as marriage, divorce, the birth of a child, or the death of a beneficiary—should prompt a rev...
When you hear "estate planning," you might think it's something only for the ultra-wealthy. Surprise! Estate planning is for everyone, regardless of your bank balance. Here's why it matters for you. Estate planning is about protecting your family, ensuring that they are taken care of financially...
Schedule A Peace of Mind Planning Session with Will and Trust Planning today.
