Under New Hampshire law, a Trustee serves in a fiduciary capacity and is legally obligated to administer trust assets exclusively for the benefit of the beneficiaries while carrying out the intentions expressed in the trust agreement. The New Hampshire Trust Code, which incorporates many principles of the Uniform Trust Code, establishes the legal standards governing Trustee conduct. Those standards require a Trustee to administer the trust in good faith, exercise reasonable care and prudence, … [Read more...] about How Might a Trustee Breach a Fiduciary Duty in New Hampshire?
What You Need to Know about the New Hampshire Medicaid Estate Recovery Program
While many people focus on creating a Last Will and Testament or revocable living trust when they think about estate planning, they often overlook the financial impact that a lengthy stay in a nursing home or other long-term care facility can have on their estate. The high cost of long-term care causes many seniors to turn to Medicaid for help. Qualifying for Medicaid, however, does not necessarily mean your assets are permanently protected. Federal law requires every state to operate a Medicaid … [Read more...] about What You Need to Know about the New Hampshire Medicaid Estate Recovery Program
What You Need to Know about a New Hampshire Will Contest
The death of a loved one is often followed by a period of grief, uncertainty, and important legal responsibilities. If the deceased left a Last Will and Testament, the probate process typically begins with determining whether that document is legally valid and should control the distribution of the estate. In many cases, probate proceeds without disagreement. Occasionally, though, family members or other interested individuals question whether the Will truly reflects the Testator's wishes or … [Read more...] about What You Need to Know about a New Hampshire Will Contest
Property Transfers After Death in New Hampshire: Why the Way You Title Property Matters
One of the many benefits of creating a comprehensive estate plan is the ability to determine who receives your assets after you are gone. Even the most carefully drafted estate planning documents, however, may not be able to accomplish this important goal if your assets are not titled appropriately. The way your home, vacation property, investment real estate, or other valuable assets are titled often determines what happens to that property after your death, regardless of what your Last Will … [Read more...] about Property Transfers After Death in New Hampshire: Why the Way You Title Property Matters
Remarriage and Asset Protection in Your New Hampshire Estate Plan
Remarrying can bring renewed happiness, but it also introduces estate planning challenges that are very different from those faced during a first marriage. By the time you remarry, you may have accumulated significant assets, own a home, operate a business, or have children and grandchildren from a previous relationship whom you want to protect. At the same time, you likely want to provide financial security for your new spouse if you die first. Accomplishing all these objectives requires … [Read more...] about Remarriage and Asset Protection in Your New Hampshire Estate Plan
Declare Your Independence From Intestacy
Every Fourth of July, we celebrate the right to determine our own destiny. Yet many Americans leave some of life's most important decisions to state intestacy laws by failing to create an Estate Plan. This Independence Day, learn why declaring your independence from intestacy may be one of the most meaningful gifts you can leave for the people you love. Continue reading to learn more. … [Read more...] about Declare Your Independence From Intestacy
Still Fighting: The Estate Planning Legacy of Shannen Doherty
Shannen Doherty spent years fighting breast cancer with courage and candor. In her final days, she also fought to finalize her divorce – signing the settlement just one day before she died. More than a year later, her estate is still fighting to enforce it. Shannen’s story is a powerful reminder that even the best-laid plans can unravel when the wrong people are involved – and that naming the right Trustee may be the most important decision you ever make. Continue reading to learn more. … [Read more...] about Still Fighting: The Estate Planning Legacy of Shannen Doherty
Fiduciary Planning in Your New Hampshire Estate Plan
When you embark on your estate planning journey, your attention will naturally focus on how your assets should be distributed and which loved ones you want to benefit from your estate. Those decisions are certainly important, but a successful estate plan requires you to consider more than just how your estate assets will be distributed. For example, the success of your estate plan also relies heavily on the individuals you appoint to carry out your wishes and manage responsibilities on behalf of … [Read more...] about Fiduciary Planning in Your New Hampshire Estate Plan
Woburn Digital Estate Planning
Estate planning has traditionally focused on tangible assets such as homes, automobiles, bank accounts, investment portfolios, and family heirlooms. While these assets remain important, modern estate planning must also address an increasingly significant category of property that often exists entirely online. From email accounts and digital photographs to cryptocurrency holdings and online businesses, digital assets now represent a substantial portion of many people's estates. A carefully … [Read more...] about Woburn Digital Estate Planning
Common New Hampshire Executor Mistakes
When someone names you as Executor in a Last Will and Testament, they are placing considerable trust in your judgment, organizational abilities, and integrity. Unfortunately, people often accept the appointment with the best intentions but then realize that estate administration often involves far more work and complexity than anticipated. As an Executor, you may be responsible for identifying and protecting assets, communicating with heirs, managing creditor claims, filing court documents, … [Read more...] about Common New Hampshire Executor Mistakes
