SUBSCRIBE
Enter your Name and Email address to get
the newsletter delivered to your inbox.
Please include name of person that directed you to my online newsletter so I can thank them personally.
2810 Fieldstream Drive North
Wilson, NC 27896
Phone: 252-237-4357
Fax: 252-243-2681
March/April 2025
Heirs of Beneficiaries?
The terms heirs and beneficiaries are interchangeable – right? Not necessarily when it comes to distributing your property after death. So, knowing the difference between the two is essential in estate planning.
The Definition of Heirs
An heir is a legally identified person entitled to your estate property when no will or trust dictates distribution. In that case, state law dictates how an estate is distributed and which heirs are entitled to assets.Generally, your heirs, in succession order are:
- Your spouse
- Your children
- Your parents
- Your siblings
- Your grandparents
- Your next of kin.
If there is no next of kin, your property will revert back to the state.
Beneficiaries Defined
A beneficiary is a person you've specifically named to receive proceeds and assets from:- Life insurance,
- Employer-provided qualified retirement plans,
- Individual retirement accounts,
- Trusts, and
- Annuities, as well as property distributed under your will.
A beneficiary may or may not be an heir and vice versa.
Understanding a beneficiary's role in your estate plan and their rights to your assets or property is key in planning. If you don't name beneficiaries with a will or other planning tools, they'll be chosen for you.
CONTACT US
Enter your Name, Email Address and a short message. We'll respond to you as soon as possible.
Active Planning & Investment Solutions and LTM Client Marketing are unrelated companies. This newsletter was created by LTM Client Marketing and was not written or created by the named financial professional and does not necessarily represent the views and opinions of Avantax Wealth Management® or its subsidiaries.
Avantax affiliated advisors may only conduct business with residents of the states for which they are properly licensed and registered. Securities offered through Avantax Investment Services℠, Member FINRA, SIPC, Investment advisory services offered through Avantax Advisory Services℠, Insurance services offered through an Avantax affiliated insurance agency. Not all products and services are offered by all financial professionals. Products and services listed may only be offered by properly licensed individuals.
The information and opinions contained in this web site are obtained from sources believed to be reliable, but their accuracy cannot be guaranteed. The publishers assume no responsibility for errors and omissions or for any damages resulting from the use of the published information. This web site is published with the understanding that it does not render legal, accounting, financial, or other professional advice. Whole or partial reproduction of this web site is forbidden without the written permission of the publisher.