Many people in Southwest Montana believe estate planning simply involves writing a will. They think their only job is deciding who inherits their property after they pass away. However, estate planning is also about protecting you while you are still alive. The...
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Will your children’s inheritance survive your new marriage?
Many divorced parents who remarry mistakenly assume their children will automatically inherit a significant portion of their estate. In reality, Montana's intestacy laws give your surviving spouse most of your assets. This leaves your children with much less than you...
What distinguishes a conservatorship from a guardianship?
Most older adults want to maintain their independence. Many people structure their plans for their golden years with the intention of aging in place and remaining as independent as possible. However, there are occasionally scenarios in which older adults may no longer...
Estate planning when you are a co-parent of a minor
While all parents should have an estate plan, co-parents face unique challenges in this regard. If you are a co-parent, estate planning is important, as you’ll want to make sure that your child is protected if something happens to you. Planning ahead will allow you...
Why ranch owners may need a succession plan
Operating a ranch can be an intergenerational matter. Parents may raise their children on the ranch and rely on the work of many family members to keep operational costs manageable. Many ranch owners are proactive about establishing plans to protect their land. They...
3 issues people can address in an advance directive
Adults in Montana can create an assortment of different estate planning documents. Many people focus primarily on testamentary documents. They create trusts or draft wills to establish a specific legacy. Others worry about their vulnerability as they age or if they...
Why those preparing for retirement should consider long-term care concerns
Adults preparing for retirement often take certain specific steps to better ensure their safety and comfort. They make changes to their homes so that they can live in their own houses comfortably later in life. They rework their budgets to better manage their costs on...
Can estate plans protect against a future guardianship?
Life has a way of being unpredictable. People may develop health issues after decades of enjoying a healthy lifestyle. It only takes a moment for someone to end up severely injured in a car crash or work incident. As such, adults need to plan for the possibility of...
Is it possible to divorce a spouse who has been diagnosed with dementia?
Standard marriage vows tend to include a line outlining someone's commitment to remain married regardless of their health and financial circumstances. However, sometimes people experience such extreme changes in lifestyle or health that divorce may begin to seem like...
Trusts can help protect a ranch from destruction during divorce
Many families hand down ranch operations and land from generation to generation, with each new owner trying to expand or improve the property. Yet, generations of heritage could be at risk in a matter of days if someone ends up getting divorced. Therefore, many...
