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While nobody wants to think about death or disability, establishing an estate plan is one of the most important steps you can take to protect yourself and your loved ones. Proper estate planning not only puts you in charge of your finances, it can also spare your loved ones of the expense, delay and frustration associated with managing your affairs when you pass away or become disabled.

You have worked hard your whole life to provide for your family and make your loved ones more secure. Without advanced estate planning strategies, many of the significant assets you have accumulated may end up with the IRS and state taxing authorities.

Over 19 million new lawsuits are filed in the United States every year, many of which are frivolous or settled for sums greater than the actual liability. Business owners, professionals, and property owners in particular should be aware of the risk associated with conducting their business, practicing in their respective fields, and taking responsibility for others.

The high cost of long-term care has made planning a critically important issue for most middle class seniors and their families. In fact, most seniors will likely require some form of long-term care. Sadly, many of them are unprepared for the significant financial burdens it places on their family’s hard earned savings. Financial devastation looms large for a family facing ongoing care at a rate of $10,000 or more per month.

If you currently provide care for a child or loved one with special needs (such as mental or physical disabilities), you must have contemplated with concern about what may happen to them when you are no longer able to provide and care for them. While you can certainly provide in a will that they receive money and assets, such a bequest may prevent them from qualifying for essential benefits under the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Medicaid programs.

When a loved one passes away, his or her estate often goes through a court-managed process called probate or estate administration where the assets of the deceased are managed and distributed. If your loved-one owned his or her assets through a well drafted and properly funded living trust, it is likely that no court-managed administration is necessary, though the successor trustee needs to administer the proper distribution of the deceased's assets.

Buying or selling a home is probably the most significant financial transaction that anyone undertakes in their lifetime. While this can be an exciting time, without the proper legal guidance, the process can be frustrating, overwhelming and more expensive than necessary.

Owning a business takes time, dedication and a lot of hard work. For small business owners, their business plays a huge role in their daily life. That being said, it is important to insulate personal assets from debts incurred by the business. In order to do so, business owners should first choose the type of entity that fits them personally and professionally.