divided equally between his children. He forgot to include the attorney and Probate expenses. The reality is this: most people don’t realize the agony of going through Probate until they are trapped in it. And perhaps even worse than Probate after death is living Probate — where someone must take responsibility for the finances and health care of another individual who is still alive but incapacitated. This can be even more stressful and costly. The Bottom Line: Estate planning is not just about money — it’s about protecting your family from stress, expense, and unnecessary interference. Without it, your estate could easily fall into the Probate system, draining resources and causing hardship for your loved ones. Estate Planning & Charitable Gifting A quick reminder: I am not an attorney, and I do not give specific legal advice. If you need estate planning documents, you should seek the advice of a qualified estate planning attorney. However, before that step, I offer a free consultation that could save your family a lot of money. I also work closely with a select group of qualified attorneys who understand estate planning and collaborate with me as part of a team approach. Thank goodness the estate tax exemption has been increased to over $13.99 million per person, which excludes most families from federal estate taxes. But even if you’re not subject to estate tax, the question remains: why not eliminate the problems of being unprepared for death? Your estate plan is about much more than taxes, it’s about keeping control, protecting your family, and avoiding unnecessary government or court involvement. The Legacy of a Breadwinner With his final breath, it all ended — dreams, fifty years of work, raising a family, the joy and the struggles. What remains are memories for loved ones, and the tangible estate left behind. But the law requires one thing
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