Introduction
1. Legal Documents Used in Estate Planning
Estate planning in Nebraska involves a variety of legal documents to secure your assets and legacy:
- Wills: Define the distribution of assets and assign guardianship for minor children.
- Trusts: Protect assets and ensure efficient management for beneficiaries.
- Power of Attorney: Appoint someone to manage financial or legal matters if incapacitated.
- Healthcare Directives: Outline medical preferences and appoint a healthcare proxy.
- Nebraska-Specific Documents: Include transfer-on-death deeds for real estate.
2. Remote Online Notarization (RON)
Nebraska permits Remote Online Notarization (RON), making it easier to notarize documents remotely. Requirements include:
- A licensed online notary public in Nebraska.
- A secure, real-time audio-video connection.
- Identity verification through government-issued ID or other methods.
3. Guardianship Assignment
Nebraska law allows for the assignment of guardians for minors or incapacitated individuals through estate planning. The process includes:
- Specifying a guardian in your will.
- Submitting the appointment to the court for approval.
- Considering a backup guardian for added security.
4. Inheritance for Foreigners
Nebraska permits non-residents and foreigners to inherit assets. However, considerations include:
- Potential federal estate tax implications for non-citizens.
- Consulting with an attorney for cross-border inheritance planning.
5. Probate Rules and Costs
Probate in Nebraska involves validating wills and distributing assets. Key details include:
- The process typically takes 6-12 months.
- Costs may include court fees, attorney fees, and administrative expenses, averaging 4-7% of the estate’s value.
- Simplified processes are available for smaller estates.
6. Legal and Professional Costs
Costs for estate planning in Nebraska vary depending on complexity:
- Attorney Fees: Range from $1,500 to $5,000 for wills and trusts.
- Notary Services: In-person notarizations cost $10-$20, while RON may range from $25-$50.
7. Unique State Laws
Nebraska has distinct laws that impact estate planning:
- Transfer-on-death deeds simplify real estate transfer without probate.
- Homestead exemptions protect primary residences from certain creditors.
8. Introduction to Ethical Wills
Ethical wills enable individuals to pass on values, life lessons, and personal stories. The Wills App supports creating and sharing ethical wills through:
- Video recordings and written messages.
- Sharing family traditions and meaningful anecdotes.
9. The Wills App for Estate Planning Automation
The Wills App offers advanced tools for estate planning:
- Vault Storage: Securely store important documents.
- Automated Distribution: Ensure timely and precise asset transfers.
- Wellness Checks: Regularly verify user status before executing plans.
- Cross-Border Functionality: Simplify planning across states and countries.
10. Practical Storage Advice
To protect your estate planning documents:
- Store physical copies in a fireproof, waterproof safe.
- Share access instructions with a trusted person.
- Use the Wills App for secure digital backups and automated execution.
11. Call to Action
Take control of your legacy today. Download the Wills App from Wills.com to simplify estate planning, secure your documents, and automate your legacy management.
