Estate Planning: What You Don't Say Can Hurt You (Huffington Post)

April 24, 2012 at 07:29 AM
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Planning for every possible scenario might sound like a waste of time when planning your estate, but it can save a lot of time and headache down the road. A will does not just spell out who gets what but also how they get it. To ensure directions in the will are carried out precisely, a trust may need to be set up. Blended families can make it more difficult to sort things out, so be sure to consider step-children in the will. Assets beyond the house and money, such as heirlooms, can be included in a trust, but are typically easier to gift during life. A principal residence occupied by a surviving spouse could affect eligibility for Medicaid if it isn't in a property designed trust. Talk to a lawyer to who can help protect your assets.