The Inheritance Protection Map: Which Assets Are Vulnerable to an Heir’s Creditors?
Knowledge Snapshot An inheritance can be exposed to an heir’s creditors, lawsuit claims, divorce proceedings, or bankruptcy. Probate avoidance and creditor protection are related, but they are not the same thing. A non-spouse inherited IRA is generally not protected by the federal bankruptcy exemption under Clark v. Rameker. A surviving spouse may be able to […]
Why You Should Update Your Beneficiaries Before Year-End
Updating your finances before the year ends is crucial, and one of the most important steps is to update your beneficiaries on retirement accounts, life insurance policies, and investment plans. Too often, people forget to revisit these designations after major life events like marriage, divorce, or the birth of a child—leading to assets going to […]