Bell Bank

Estate Planning Information

Estate planning encompasses the growth, conservation, and transfer of an individual’s wealth through the creation and maintenance of an “estate plan.”  The purpose of estate planning is to develop a strategy that will maintain the financial security of individuals through their lifetime and facilitate the intended transfer of their property and assets at death, while taking into consideration the unique circumstances of the family and the potential costs of different methods.

All too often, we hear:

  • "I'm too young to do estate planning."
  • "All my property is titled in joint tenancy with my spouse so I don't need a will."
  • "Estate planning is only for the super-rich."
  • "Estate planning is too complicated and expensive."
  • "Doesn't the government provide for that?"
  • "We did our wills right after we got married 30 years ago and see no need for further planning."

If you seek advice and guidance with regard to your estate planning needs, please view our website and search for a the type of member that meets your needs.  As an alternative, you can search for an Accredited Estate Planner® (AEP®) or Estate Planning Law Specialist (EPLS) designation holder in your area on the National Association of Estate Planners & Councils website.

Featured Articles

Spring Cleaning? Add Your Finances to The List

And while you're at it, review all your estate documents, including your power of attorney, living will, health care representative, as well as your will and any trust documents, to ensure they are still in sync with your wishes. Don't have estate documents? Now's the perfect time to contact an estate planning ...

Greenspoon Marder Expands Corporate & Business Capabilites With Addition Of Two New ...

Mr. Bechel focuses his practice on estate planning matters including, integrated estate planning, offshore planning, transactional matters and business and tax planning. About Greenspoon Marder. Greenspoon Marder LLP is committed to providing excellent client service through our cross-disciplinary, ...

Allen Ostrofe: How to be the best advocate for mom and dad in their golden years

Encourage parents to review their estate plan by an estate planning attorney at least every five years. Be careful of early gifting (e.g., family home) from parents or grandparents, as this can come with hefty, unexpected gift or capital gains taxes. Inheriting is often preferable to sharing your "gift" with Uncle ...

Financial Comparison: National Australia Bank (NABZY) versus Regions Financial (RF)

National Australia Bank (OTCMKTS: NABZY) and Regions Financial (NYSE:RF) are both large-cap finance companies, but which is the superior business ... and superannuation, self-managed super funds, and financial planning and advisory services; and travel services, as well as investment products.

Senate's April coup

A Trust is an estate planning tool which helps an individual plan his estate in such a way as to protect his or her wealth and eventually pass it on in a smooth inter-generational transfer. A parent may have the wherewithal to adequately provide quality education for the child but the unfortunate incident of ...