Estate planners have a variety of techniques and tools that can be employed to protect beneficiaries from themselves. Learn more about how to prevent heirs from squandering their inheritances... 18 Sep

How Estate Plans Prevent Heirs From Squandering Inheritances

Spendthrift trusts help ensure that beneficiaries can’t squander their inheritance. They can also serve to protect assets from creditors. Rather than allowing the beneficiary to receive a lump sum, the trustee releases the money incrementally. 07 Aug

Spendthrift Trusts: What Are They and How Do They Work?

If you wish to restrict the flow of inherited money to your child, you can do so through your will or trust. While there are legal limits on conditional gifting, you are generally free to structure an inheritance the way you would like. 07 Feb

Bequests with Strings Attached: Are Conditional Gifts a Good Idea?

Generational wealth erosion is a common phenomenon where inherited wealth diminishes over time, often within a few generations. Several factors contribute to the dissipation of inherited wealth... 08 Jan

Generational Erosion of Inherited Wealth: Why Does it Happen?

Estate planning for an irresponsible child is a lot of work. Fortunately, estate planners may exert influence over how heirs spend their inheritances. Keep reading to find out the best ways to protect an irresponsible child’s financial future... 19 Nov

Strategies: Estate Planning for Irresponsible Children

Some events in life have unexpected effects... Inheriting a large sum of money can be like that. It sounds good, but it is often riddled with conflicting emotions and unexpected challenges. 04 Nov

The Unexpected Effects of Sudden Inherited Wealth

Are you worried that your heirs will foolishly spend their inheritance or lose it to creditors? You may want to consider establishing a “spendthrift” trust. 21 Jun

Frequently Asked Questions: What is a ‘Spendthrift Trust’?

Incorporating tools and strategies into your estate plan to mitigate a beneficiary’s spendthrift habits is vital to protect both the beneficiary and your assets. 21 Mar

Estate Planning Strategies for Managing a Spendthrift Beneficiary

The U.S. Supreme Court’s Most Important Decision Affecting the Law of Trusts & Estates Was Decided a Very Long Time Ago 31 Oct

U.S. Supreme Court Decision Altered Trust & Estate Law

I had no idea I was due to inherit a substantial sum. Sudden wealth puts you in a cocoon; it makes you feel invincible. I thought I was Superman... I was too young and immature to handle such wealth. 19 Jun

Sudden Unexpected Wealth: How I Blew My Inheritance