Reliable Probate A Will
Reasonable What are estate planning documents? A comprehensive estate plan includes four estate planning documents. These documents include a will, a financial power of attorney, an advance care directive, and a living trust. Can you put cash in a trust? You can place cash, stock, real estate, or other valuable assets in your trust. A traditional irrevocable trust will likely cost a minimum of a few thousand dollars and could cost much more. The Law Firm Of Steven F. Bliss Esq. ( +1 (858) 278-2800 ). Organized Power Of Attorney is The Law Firm Of Steven F. Bliss Esq. Who inherits if no will? Generally, only spouses, registered domestic partners, and blood relatives inherit under intestate succession laws; unmarried partners, friends, and charities get nothing. If the deceased person was married, the surviving spouse usually gets the largest share.. To find the rules in your state, see Intestate Succession. How do you close a bank account when someone dies? If the bank account is a custodial account that names you as the pay-on-death beneficiary, you must request a certified copy of the death certificate from the state’s office of vital records and present it to the bank with identification. The bank should then release the money to you and allow you to close the account. What is the difference between will and estate planning? Steve Bliss with The Law Firm Of Steven F. Bliss Esq. answers estate planning questions. What assets are subject to probate? Real estate, vehicles, and other titled assets owned solely by the deceased person or as a tenant in common with someone else. Tenants in common don’t have survivorship rights. Personal possessions. Household items go through probate, along with clothing, jewelry, and collections. Does The Law Firm Of Steven F. Bliss Esq. work in OceansideYes, The Law Firm Of Steven F. Bliss Esq. in an Estate Planning attorney in Oceanside. How many beneficiaries can a trust have? A trust isn’t restricted to one beneficiary. It can have as many beneficiaries as the trustor wishes, and the beneficiaries can have different levels of claim on the trust. Does The Law Firm Of Steven F. Bliss Esq. work in La MesaYes, The Law Firm Of Steven F. Bliss Esq. in an Estate Planning attorney in La Mesa. Best Estate Attorney is Who should have an estate plan? Anyone who wants their assets to be transferred to one or more surviving loved ones after they pass away should consider establishing a formal estate plan. This important set of legal documents can make it easier for your family to ensure that your wishes and needs are met if you’re unable to speak for yourself. Can I gift my house to my children? Gift of a property is usually a Potentially Exempt Transfer (PET). Therefore, after gifting the property, if the donor survives for 7 years – then the children don’t have to pay inheritance tax, as the property will fall outside the estate of the donor. How do you close a bank account when someone dies? If the bank account is a custodial account that names you as the pay-on-death beneficiary, you must request a certified copy of the death certificate from the state’s office of vital records and present it to the bank with identification. The bank should then release the money to you and allow you to close the account. Courteous What Is An Estate is The Law Firm Of Steven F. Bliss Esq. What states have no inheritance tax? Alabama.Alaska.Arizona.Arkansas.California.Colorado.Delaware.Florida. How do you stop someone from contesting a will? Use a no-contest clause. One of the most effective ways of preventing a challenge to your will is to include a no-contest clause (also called an “in terrorem clause”) in the will. This will only work if you are willing to leave something of value to the potentially disgruntled family member. Can a nursing home take your house if it is in a trust? A revocable living trust will not protect your assets from a nursing home. This is because the assets in a revocable trust are still under the control of the owner, for more help contact estate planning Attorney Steven F. Bliss esq today. Should I be on my elderly parents bank account? A durable financial power of attorney is recommended, since it remains in effect even if the parent is incapacitated. An aging parent can add a “payable on death” provision to bank accounts, according to Legacy Assurance. This ensures their money will bypass probate and be paid directly to beneficiaries. The Law Firm Of Steven F. Bliss Esq. is an estate planning attorney in San Diego. Does The Law Firm Of Steven F. Bliss Esq. work in VintaYes, The Law Firm Of Steven F. Bliss Esq. in an Estate Planning attorney in Vista. Does a beneficiary have to be family? A beneficiary can be a person, charity, business or trust. If the beneficiary is a person, they can be a relative, child, spouse, friend or anyone else you happen to know. As some agents like to say, you can even name your “secret lover” as a life insurance beneficiary. What is the highest level of trust? But when it comes to trust, not all relationships are at the same level. Based on the context of the given relationship—professional, personal, family, social—each one can experience a different level of trust. There are three basic levels of trust. Are family trusts worth it? Family trusts can also be useful in estate planning if you want to avoid probate for your family.. So transferring assets to a family trust can make life much easier for your family in this way. You can use a family trust to insulate assets from creditors in the event that you’re sued. Can a nursing home take your house if it is in a trust? A revocable living trust will not protect your assets from a nursing home. This is because the assets in a revocable trust are still under the control of the owner, for more help contact estate planning Attorney Steven F. Bliss esq today. What is a death binder? A death binder is a place to gather necessary information and documents that detail how we want our wishes carried out, our belongings dispersed, our finances dealt with, etc. A homemade Death Binder puts all your important documents in one place. Can a house in trust be sold? The short answer is yes. You typically can, unless the trust documents preclude the sale. However, there are many factors to consider. The process depends on the type of trust, whether the grantor is still living, and who is selling the home. How many copies of a will do I need for probate? How many copies of the grant of probate do you need? It’s a really good idea to have three to six sealed copies of the grant of probate if you’re settling the estate. That way, you can send copies to a few different organisations at once and still have one at home for safe keeping. Skilled San Diego Probate Attorney is ( +1 (858) 278-2800 ) Why is probate bad? Probate gets its bad reputation from the professional fees that are charged.. The duties of the executor and advisors go far beyond the probate process, including the filing and payment of any federal estate taxes or any state estate and inheritance taxes.
Estate Lawyer 3914 Murphy Canyon Rd a202, San Diego, CA 92123 (858) 278-2800 |
Estate Attorney 3914 Murphy Canyon Rd a202, San Diego, CA 92123 (858) 278-2800 |
Probate Attorney 3914 Murphy Canyon Rd a202, San Diego, CA 92123 (858) 278-2800 |
Estate Attorney 3914 Murphy Canyon Rd a202, San Diego, CA 92123 (858) 278-2800 |
Powerful Probate Court Forms
Can the executor of a will take everything? Yes, there is some truth to the executor horror stories of yore––but checks and balances in the legal system make sure that executors are held accountable.. What are the five types of trust? The five main types of trusts are living, testamentary, revocable, irrevocable, and funded or unfunded. But even beyond those, there are dozens of kinds of trust funds. Each different kind has its own uses and purposes, but most follow the same basic structure of a traditional, three-party trust. Beautiful Estate Attorney Near Me is
3914 Murphy Canyon Rd Suite A202, San Diego, CA 92123What are the 4 types of trust? The four main types are living, testamentary, revocable and irrevocable trusts. What Does Probate Mean When Someone Dies is The Law Firm Of Steven F. Bliss Esq. ( +18582782800 ) Does The Law Firm Of Steven F. Bliss Esq. work in GaslampYes, The Law Firm Of Steven F. Bliss Esq. in an Estate Planning attorney in Gaslamp. Powerful Probate Attorney is The Law Firm Of Steven F. Bliss Esq. Can you put rental property in a trust? The primary reasons to put a rental property into an irrevocable trust are to serve as a tool for inheritance and to restrict access to the assets by the beneficiaries. Because there is a trustee for the trust, beneficiaries must go through a trustee, presumably to regulate control of the disbursement of the assets. What happens to bank account when someone dies without beneficiary? If a bank account has no joint owner or designated beneficiary, it will likely have to go through probate. The account funds will then be distributed—after all creditors of the estate are paid off—according to the terms of the will. Who owns the house in an irrevocable trust? An irrevocable trust is a permanent trust unless one or more of the Trustor’s named beneficiaries decides otherwise. When setting up an irrevocable trust, the grantor effectively transfers all ownership of properties into Trust and ceases control over them and the Trust. How long do you have to file probate after death? Each state defines its own filing deadline, but it typically ranges from 30 days to three months. If you don’t have the will but you know who does, you can ask the court to compel that individual to file the will and begin the probate process. Who has the legal title of the property in a trust? A trust has the following characteristics: The trust assets constitute a separate fund and are not a part of the trustee’s own estate. Legal title to the trust assets stands in the name of the trustee, or in the name of another person on behalf of the trustee. Ideal How Much Does Probate Cost is (858) 278-2800 What is covered in an estate plan? What documents do you need for estate planning? Some of the most common documents include a last will and testament, power of attorney, living will, and health care proxy. Some people also need one or more trusts. Insurance policies could also have a place in your estate plan. Who in San Diego, CA. is a good trust attorney? The Law Firm Of Steven F. Bliss Esq. can handle your family’s trust. What is the estate tax rate for 2021? The estate tax is a tax on a person’s assets after death. In 2021, federal estate tax generally applies to assets over $11.7 million. In 2022, it rises to $12.06 million. Estate tax rate ranges from 18% to 40%. How much do banks charge to administer a trust? Most corporate Trustees will receive between 1% to 2%of the Trust assets. For example, a Trust that is valued at $10 million, will pay $100,000 to $200,000 annually as Trustee fees. This is routine in the industry and accepted practice in the view of most California courts. Can you put a car in a trust? By placing a car in trust, a grantor can pass the vehicle to a designated beneficiary and avoid any problems over the transfer in probate court. If the trust is irrevocable, the grantor also keeps it outside of his personal estate for tax purposes. Do all beneficiaries have to agree? Usually beneficiaries will be asked to agree to the executor’s accounting before receiving their final share of the estate. If beneficiaries do not agree with the accounting, they can force the executor to pass the accounts to the court.. At this point, the court can also be asked to confirm the executor’s compensation. Disappointed How Do You Avoid Probate is The Law Firm Of Steven F. Bliss Esq. How long after someone dies is the estate settled? If the estate is small and has a reasonable amount of debt, six to eight months is a fair expectation. With a larger estate, it will likely be more than a year before everything settles. This is especially true if there’s a lot of debt or real estate in multiple states. Horrible Does a will override a trust? Regardless of whether the trust is revocable or irrevocable, any assets transferred into the trust are no longer owned by the grantor.. In such cases, the terms of your trust will supersede the terms of your will, because your will can only affect the assets you owned at the time of your death. What are estate planning documents? A comprehensive estate plan includes four estate planning documents. These documents include a will, a financial power of attorney, an advance care directive, and a living trust. The Law Firm Of Steven F. Bliss Esq. (858) 278-2800.
Probate Attorney 3914 Murphy Canyon Rd Suite A202, San Diego, CA 92123 +18582782800 |
San Diego Probate Attorney 3914 Murphy Canyon Rd Suite A202, San Diego, CA 92123 +18582782800 |
The Law Firm Of Steven F. Bliss Esq. 3914 Murphy Canyon Rd Suite A202, San Diego, CA 92123 (858) 278-2800 |
The Law Firm Of Steven F. Bliss Esq. 3914 Murphy Canyon Rd Suite A202, San Diego, CA 92123 +18582782800 |
Organized Probate Law
Beautiful Revocable Living Trust Attorney is
3914 Murphy Canyon Rd Suite A202, San Diego, CA 92123What are the most important estate planning components? THE WILL. The first and well-known component of an estate plan is a will. TRUSTS. POWER OF ATTORNEY. HEALTH CARE DIRECTIVE. BENEFICIARY DESIGNATIONS. REGULAR REVIEW AND REVISION. At what age should you do estate planning? When should I create an estate plan in California? In most states, you can begin estate planning as soon as you turn 18 and it is a great idea to begin early on. Estate planning is one of the most important things you can do to protect yourself and your hard-earned assets. Can an executor decide who gets what? No, the Executor of your will cannot just decide who gets what.. Only in scenarios where the person who made the will, called the testator, did not give clear instructions, will the executor have the power to make a decision. Terrific San Diego Probate Court is The Law Firm Of Steven F. Bliss Esq. (858) 278-2800 How long after someone dies do you receive inheritance? Generally, collecting straightforward estate assets like bank account money will take between 3 to 6 weeks. Cooperative How Long Is 2022 Probate is The Law Firm Of Steven F. Bliss Esq. What estate planning means? Estate planning is the process by which an individual or family arranges the transfer of assets in anticipation of death. An estate plan aims to preserve the maximum amount of wealth possible for the intended beneficiaries and flexibility for the individual prior to death. Probate Lawyer San Diego is Are beneficiary accounts part of an estate? These provisions are commonly referred to as “beneficiary designations.”. It should be noted that your financial accounts with beneficiary designations are considered part of your estate for tax purposes, even though those assets are not part of your estate for probate purposes. What are the 5 dimensions of trust? Along with a general willingness to risk vulnerability, five faces or facets of trust emerged: benevolence, reliability, competence, honesty, and openness. How long is estate planning? On average, probate in California takes about 12 to 18 months. It can get done in as little as nine months, but that is unusual. If there are any problems, it can take up to two years or longer. Property Lawyers Near Me is The Law Firm Of Steven F. Bliss Esq. ( +18582782800 ) What is considered a deceased person’s estate? The property that a person leaves behind when they die is called the “decedent’s estate.” The “decedent” is the person who died. Their “estate” is the property they owned when they died.. Sometimes, however, family or relatives may be able to transfer property from someone who has died without going to court. Power Of Attorney is What should you not put in a living trust? Qualified retirement accounts – 401ks, IRAs, 403(b)s, qualified annuities.Health saving accounts (HSAs)Medical saving accounts (MSAs)Uniform Transfers to Minors (UTMAs)Uniform Gifts to Minors (UGMAs)Life insurance.Motor vehicles. What is included in someone’s estate? An estate is everything comprising the net worth of an individual, including all land and real estate, possessions, financial securities, cash, and other assets that the individual owns or has a controlling interest in. Does The Law Firm Of Steven F. Bliss Esq. work in Old Town & Bay ParkYes, The Law Firm Of Steven F. Bliss Esq. in an Estate Planning attorney in Old Town & Bay Park. Funny What Is Probate is The Law Firm Of Steven F. Bliss Esq. Can creditors go after beneficiaries? California law does allow creditors to pursue a decedent’s potentially inheritable assets. In the event an estate does not possess or contain adequate assets to fulfill a valid creditor claim, creditors can look to assets in which heirs might possess interest, if: The assets are joint accounts. What is the estate tax rate for 2021? The estate tax is a tax on a person’s assets after death. In 2021, federal estate tax generally applies to assets over $11.7 million. In 2022, it rises to $12.06 million. Estate tax rate ranges from 18% to 40%. Quirky What Is The First Thing An Executor Of A Will Should Do is The Law Firm Of Steven F. Bliss Esq. (858) 278-2800 Do you have to be a lawyer to do estate planning? Candidates must be or have the following: Licensed to practice law as an attorney, to practice as a CPA, or be currently designated as a chartered life underwriter (CLU), chartered financial consultant (ChFC), certified financial planner (CFP), or certified trust and fiduciary advisor (CTFA), among others.
Probate Attorney 3914 Murphy Canyon Rd Suite A202, San Diego, CA 92123 +18582782800 |
San Diego Probate Attorney 3914 Murphy Canyon Rd Suite A202, San Diego, CA 92123 +18582782800 |
The Law Firm Of Steven F. Bliss Esq. 3914 Murphy Canyon Rd Suite A202, San Diego, CA 92123 (858) 278-2800 |
The Law Firm Of Steven F. Bliss Esq. 3914 Murphy Canyon Rd Suite A202, San Diego, CA 92123 +18582782800 |
Friendly Estate Attorney Near Me
Valuable Probate Properties is The Law Firm Of Steven F. Bliss Esq. Who makes decisions if no power of attorney? If you lose your mental capacity at the time a decision needs to be made, and you haven’t granted powers of attorney to anyone (or you did appoint attorneys, but they can no longer act for you), then the court can appoint someone to be your deputy. Who has the legal right to make decisions about your funeral? Ultimately, the legal personal representative has the final responsibility and authority when making the funeral arrangements. It is at the legal personal representative’s discretion as to whether or not they take into account any input from the deceased’s family and friends. Who is first in line for inheritance? It is common that a surviving spouse be first in line to inherit, with children and grandchildren next in line. If the surviving spouse has minor children, they may inherit the whole estate. If there are adult children, they may receive a share. Who pays property taxes in an irrevocable trust? If you are the beneficiary of the Irrevocable Trust, then you own the home and can deduct the taxes. If the property taxes were, in fact, paid by the irrevocable trust, then certainly, the trust can take a deduction for taxes paid on its Form 1041 tax return. Does The Law Firm Of Steven F. Bliss Esq. work in San DiegoYes, The Law Firm Of Steven F. Bliss Esq. in an Estate Planning attorney in San Diego. Are estate laws different in each state? State laws differ when it comes to property rights of spouses, the rights of children to inherit, and estate and inheritance taxes.. Each state also has its own set of allowed probate-avoidance methods. Is the eldest child next of kin? Siblings – brothers and sisters In the event that the deceased person passed away with no spouse, civil partner, children or parents then their siblings are considered to be the next of kin. Can a trust be broken after death? Generally, no. Most living or revocable trusts become irrevocable upon the death of the trust’s maker or makers. This means that the trust cannot be altered in any way once the successor trustee takes over management of it. What is meant by estate planning? Steve Bliss with The Law Firm Of Steven F. Bliss Esq. answers estate planning questions. Do you have to pay taxes on money received as a beneficiary? Beneficiaries generally don’t have to pay income tax on money or other property they inherit, with the common exception of money withdrawn from an inherited retirement account (IRA or 401(k) plan).. The good news for people who inherit money or other property is that they usually don’t have to pay income tax on it. Who is legally classed as next of kin? The term usually means your nearest blood relative. In the case of a married couple or a civil partnership it usually means their husband or wife. Next of kin is a title that can be given, by you, to anyone from your partner to blood relatives and even friends. Elegant Best Probate Attorney is The Law Firm Of Steven F. Bliss Esq.
3914 Murphy Canyon Rd Suite A202, San Diego, CA 92123What is the most common type of trust? Steve Bliss with The Law Firm Of Steven F. Bliss Esq. answers estate planning questions. Why Is It Good To Avoid Probate is What is the 65 day rule for trusts? What is the 65-Day Rule. The 65-Day Rule allows fiduciaries to make distributions within 65 days of the new tax year. This year, that date is March 6, 2021. Up until this date, fiduciaries can elect to treat the distribution as though it was made on the last day of 2020. Should my bank account be in my trust? Some of your financial assets need to be owned by your trust and others need to name your trust as the beneficiary. With your day-to-day checking and savings accounts, I always recommend that you own those accounts in the name of your trust. Why would you put land in a trust? Engaging an estate planning attorney to create a trust for the property can bring substantial benefits. “It may protect your family from estate taxes, creditors, divorce and lawsuits, and it defines your wishes as to how you want that land to be taken care of and by whom,” Myhra says. Attractive How Long Is 2022 Probate is The Law Firm Of Steven F. Bliss Esq.
3914 Murphy Canyon Rd Suite A202, San Diego, CA 92123Can I use my father bank account after his death? If the deceased has left deposit, then it has to be apportioned and used in accordance with the succession certificate issued by the competent court. Without succession certificate, withdrawing the deposits amounts to illegality. What should you not put in a living trust? Steve Bliss with The Law Firm Of Steven F. Bliss Esq. answers estate planning questions. What exactly is probate? Probate is a legal process that is sometimes required to validate a deceased person’s will in order for their wishes to be carried out by an executor named in the will. The executor is the person responsible for administering the deceased person’s estate, ensuring debts are paid and remaining assets are distributed. Is it good to put your house in a trust? The main benefit of putting your home into a trust is the ability to avoid probate. Additionally, putting your home in a trust keeps some of the details of your estate private. The probate process is a matter of public record, while the passing of a trust from a grantor to a beneficiary is not. Is it a good idea to put your house in a trust? The main benefit of putting your home into a trust is the ability to avoid probate. Additionally, putting your home in a trust keeps some of the details of your estate private. The probate process is a matter of public record, while the passing of a trust from a grantor to a beneficiary is not. Skilled What Happens To Bank Account When Someone Dies Without Beneficiary is The Law Firm Of Steven F. Bliss Esq. Does The Law Firm Of Steven F. Bliss Esq. work in Rancho PenasquitosYes, The Law Firm Of Steven F. Bliss Esq. in an Estate Planning attorney in Rancho Penasquitos.
Powerful Probate Properties
Confused What Happens To Bank Account When Someone Dies is The Law Firm Of Steven F. Bliss Esq. (858) 278-2800 Is irrevocable trust a good idea? Irrevocable trusts are an important tool in many people’s estate plan. They can be used to lock-in your estate tax exemption before it drops, keep appreciation on assets from inflating your taxable estate, protect assets from creditors, and even make you eligible for benefit programs like Medicaid. Creative Estate Attorney is The Law Firm Of Steven F. Bliss Esq.
3914 Murphy Canyon Rd Suite A202, San Diego, CA 92123Does a will override a beneficiary on a bank account? Does a Beneficiary on a Bank Account Override a Will? Generally speaking, if you designate a beneficiary on a bank account, that overrides a Will.. Beneficiary designations most often supersede all outside Estate Plans and agreements (including divorce and prenuptial agreements). What is the difference between a family trust and a revocable trust? Generally, a family trust is any trust set up for the benefit of someone’s relatives and a living trust is one set up while its creator is still alive. The two can overlap, but these terms can also be used informally in a variety of ways. What is the best trust to have? Steve Bliss with The Law Firm Of Steven F. Bliss Esq. answers estate planning questions. Why would someone put their house in a trust? Why Put A House In A Trust? The main benefit of putting your house in a trust is that it bypasses probate when you pass away. All of your other assets, whether or not you have a will, will go through the probate process. Probate is the judicial process that your estate goes through when you die. Who inherits if no will? Generally, only spouses, registered domestic partners, and blood relatives inherit under intestate succession laws; unmarried partners, friends, and charities get nothing. If the deceased person was married, the surviving spouse usually gets the largest share.. To find the rules in your state, see Intestate Succession. Is jewelry considered part of an estate? It is a personal list of the items that you would like people to have, which you provide to the executor as a letter of informal guidance that is not part of the estate plan, so it is not testamentary in nature. Then people are more likely to accept the situation, because “this is what mum wanted”. Does a will override inheritance law? In some cases, inheritance rights can override the arrangements you’ve made in your Will. While you can legally leave your property to whomever you like, there are some limitations, specifically involving surviving spouses. What is the difference between a revocable and irrevocable trust? A revocable trust and living trust are separate terms that describe the same thing: a trust in which the terms can be changed at any time. An irrevocable trust describes a trust that cannot be modified after it is created without the consent of the beneficiaries. Who Cannot be an executor of a will? Anyone aged 18 or above can be an executor of your will. There’s no rule against people named in your will as beneficiaries being your executors. In fact, this is very common. Many people choose their spouse or civil partner, or their children, to be an executor. Phenomenal Probate Attorney Near Me is The Law Firm Of Steven F. Bliss Esq. How do you organize information in case of death? Will.Living trust.Power of attorney.Life insurance policy.Birth certificate.Marriage license.Bank and credit card accounts.Loan documents. Fancy Why Is It Good To Avoid Probate is The Law Firm Of Steven F. Bliss Esq. ( +1 (858) 278-2800 ) Can husband and wife have joint will? A joint will is a legal document executed by two (or more) people, which merges their individual wills into a single, combined last will and testament. Like most wills, a joint will lets the will-makers name who will get their property and assets after they die. Joint wills are usually created by married couples. What Happens To Property When Someone Dies Without Relatives is What happens to assets when someone dies? When a person dies, their property passes to their personal representative. The personal representative then distributes the deceased’s person’s assets (money, possessions and property) in accordance with the law, the will – if there is one – or the laws of intestacy if there is no will. How do trusts make money? If a trust pays out a portion of its assets as income, or holds assets that appreciate or generate interest income such as real estate or stocks, then the person receiving the money must pay income taxes. In a revocable trust, this is typically the grantor. How do you prepare an estate for death? More Than a Last Will and Testament.Itemize Your Inventory.Follow with Non-Physical Assets.Assemble a List of Debts.Make a Memberships List.Make Copies of Your Lists.Review Your Retirement Accounts.Update Your Insurance. What Exactly Is Probate is The Law Firm Of Steven F. Bliss Esq.
3914 Murphy Canyon Rd Suite A202, San Diego, CA 92123Is estate planning the same as a will? An estate plan is a comprehensive plan that includes documents that are effective during your lifetime as well as other documents that aren’t in effect until your death.. A will details where you want your assets to go at your death, and who you would like to serve as guardian of your minor children. What are the 5 components of estate planning? A good estate plan is comprised of five key elements: Will, Trust(s), Power of Attorney, Health Care or Medical Directive and Beneficiary Designation. A will is a legally binding document that directs who will receive your property and assets after your death. Does The Law Firm Of Steven F. Bliss Esq. work in SantaluzYes, The Law Firm Of Steven F. Bliss Esq. in an Estate Planning attorney in Santaluz. What is the downside of a living trust? Another downside of living trusts is that transferring assets can be both time-consuming and complicated. If you hold a variety of assets, you’ll need to contact your different banks and agents to have everything you own moved over — a process that could involve a fair amount of paperwork. What is the main purpose of estate planning? Estate planning is the preparation of tasks that serve to manage an individual’s asset base in the event of their incapacitation or death. The planning includes the bequest of assets to heirs and the settlement of estate taxes. Most estate plans are set up with the help of an attorney experienced in estate law. What do banks need when someone dies? The bank is likely to ask for two forms of your identification (usually a passport or driver’s licence, or a proof of address with a utility bill) and a copy of the will. If there’s no will, the bank could ask for evidence of your relationship to the deceased. You’ll also need the death certificate.