EP Wealth's Regional Director, Lea Ann Knight, CFP®, shares practical steps couples can take now to prepare financially and emotionally for the death... EP Wealth's Regional Director, Ryan Caldwell, CFP®, shares a step-by-step approach to managing finances after the death of a spouse or loved one,... Choosing to explore one should be part of a thoughtful, multi-disciplinary process that accounts for legal, financial, and long-term family considerations. Choosing a trustee can directly affect how the trust is viewed in legal proceedings.

Relief from financial waste

Complications can set in quickly if significant assets are involved, and an estate plan may have to provide different things for different beneficiaries at different stages in their lives. Adult children from a first estate protection services marriage have different financial needs than second spouses or young children from a second marriage. "In this case, the parents were able to feel confident that their daughter was going to be taken care of financially," says Kelch.

It is important to work with an experienced trusts lawyer who can take a holistic view of your needs and ensure all legal requirements are met. When you die, the trust assets are passed to the beneficiaries according to the trust’s conditions. Unlike some other trusts, you can continue to use the assets prior to death, including living in the family home. Property, investments and other assets that are placed into the trust stop being part of your legal ownership, and that keeps them safe and out of reach from creditors and other claimants. Trusts for asset protection can protect your assets from creditors and other claims and are an effective way to ensure that wealth stays in the hands of those you intend.

Working with an Advisor: A Coordinated Approach

APTs can help structure the transfer of assets in a way that reduces the risk of loss through divorce settlements, creditor claims, or lawsuits involving beneficiaries. Among the tools that may be worth exploring, Asset Protection Trusts (APTs) are designed to help safeguard assets from future claims or legal disputes. Explore how asset protection trusts may help safeguard wealth from legal risks and support multigenerational planning as part of a broader estate strategy. An Heir Safeguard Trust ("HST") is specifically designed to protect your surviving spouse or children from future remarriage, lawsuits, creditors, or divorce.

North Carolina Estate Planning Attorney Serving the Following Cities and Area

You may have a vacation home that you built or purchased with the dream that your loved ones would continue to use it after you are gone, or you may have a homestead that you would like to pass on to someone in your famil

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Whether you are suddenly single or you’re in charge of your family’s finances, today’s women have more to juggle than ever before. If you’re serious about pursuing your goals, then you’ll be able to build that into your budget. We have the team, the resources, and experience to help you. And if you’re not satisfied, you can cancel at any time. There’s no obligation, and you’ll walk away with clarity on both your finances and what working together would cos

Our Valencia office invites you to visit and meet our financial advisors to see what our full-service team can provide. Our Valencia team designs personalized portfolios that aim to balance growth potential with risk management, contributing to your financial future goals. A recent survey found that 24 percent of workers are very confident about having enough [...] But your finances shouldn’t be ignored. Get a written Financial Plan and a financial advisor to work with you side-by-side as you pursue all your goals in life. Don’t leave your financial goals and dreams to chance.

Fiduciary Duty: Choose a Fiduciary Advisor

The EP Wealth team in Valencia believes that financial advice should be tailored to each client’s unique situation and goals. A fee was not paid by either the estate protection services investment professional or HH to receive the ranking. Wealth management is about more than just growing your assets; it’s about orchestrating your financial affairs to achieve your life’s vision. Retirement should be a time of relaxation and fulfillment, not worry. We analyze your current financial situation, identify opportunities for improvement, and chart a course to help you achieve your dreams, whether it’s buying a home, funding education, or starting a busines

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Select RangeUnder $200,000$200,000 to $500,000$500,000 to $1 million$1 million to $2 million$2 million to $5 million$5 million to $10 million$10 million to $25 million$25 million to $100 millionOver $100 million By checking this box, I agree to provide Creative Planning with personal information and understand they won't sell this information to a third party. Select Range$500,000 to $1 million$1 million to $2 million$2 million to $5 million$5 million to $10 million$10 million to $25 million$25 million to $100 millionOver estate protection services $100 milli