As the owner of a family business, assuring its continuation after your retirement represents perhaps the major goal of your estate planning activities. Nevertheless, as reported by Family Business, the National Bureau of Economic Research estimates that only about...
Requirements for a valid will in Tennessee
When there are questions about the validity of a will, it can lead to will contests and other complications. These can prolong the probate process and delay the distribution of the decedent's property. To prevent problems such as these from arising following death, a...
An estate plan can help you prepare for end of life care
End of life planning is a critical component of an estate plan for Tennessee residents. A variety of directives can convey your wishes about the care and treatment you want in the last stage of your life, helping your loved ones make difficult decisions if you become...
What to consider before disinheriting a relative
The choice to remove a family member from your last will and testament is a significant emotional and financial decision. If you don't handle your decision carefully, you could end up having your last wishes overruled by a court should your scorned beneficiary try to...
Yes, You Do Need An Estate Plan
You might assume that you don’t have enough money or own enough property to require an estate plan. But what about the assets and property you do own? Those will go somewhere when you pass away. The truth is that you already have an estate plan in place – sort of. If...
Preserve one’s legacy with a charitable remainder trust
As the Baby Boomer generation reaches retirement age in record numbers, many of these older adults revisit their estate plans. Grandparents may wish to set up trusts for the younger generations or look for ways to avoid inevitable estate taxes. Many people choose to...
Important estate planning considerations amid divorce
When you created your estate plan, you may have given your husband or wife any number of different rights and responsibilities, but if you are now making your way through a divorce, it may be time to give it some fresh attention. If you are similar to many others in...
What is intestacy?
Most people are aware that estate planning is important, but it is also important to understand what will happen if you do not have a comprehensive estate plan. Thousands of people across the country die without a will each year, and this causes many complications....
Is now a good time to update my estate plan?
If you are a Tennessee resident who already has your estate plan finished, you will likely be able to leave it as-is for a while. However, it is not generally recommended for you to leave your estate plan unchanged indefinitely. First of all, your estate plan should...
Why should you consider creating a living will?
There are a lot of details to work out when it is time to consider plans for the end of life. Many people put off this task because it's difficult to think about. One way to approach the issue is to consider one's own preferences when dealing with the end of life....
Costner & Greene Attorneys at Law
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