Probate is a court process to settle an estate after someone dies. There are two types of probates. The first is interstate probate. For example, if someone dies without a Will, then they are “intestate” and a court has to decide what happens to their property. The second type is testate...
CNBC Article: How to get it right when naming an executor and filling other key roles in your estate plan
In addition to deciding who gets what when you die, you have key roles to fill that deserve thoughtful deliberation as part of the estate-planning process, experts say.In addition to choosing an executor — the person who ensures your wishes are carried out and that your estate is settled — it’s wise...
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The Probate Process and the Role of Personal Representative
Probate is the court-supervised process of verifying a last will and testament if the deceased made one. The process includes:
locating and determining the value of the person's assets paying their final bills and taxes
Estate Planning for a Multi-Generational Family
Times have changed and so has the idea of what a traditional family looks like. Due to economic or practical circumstances, more households have become multi-generational homes with grandparents, parents and children all living under one roof, according to a Pew Research Center analysis of census data. The dynamic of a multi-generational...
Benefits of a Virtual Estate Planning Consultation
As awful as the coronavirus pandemic is, we should all be grateful that it has hit at a time in history when we have the technology to help us cope. First and foremost, medical science has advanced to the point that vaccines to protect us from catastrophe have been developed at an...
Give the Gift of a Gift Trust
During holiday time, many people feel more generous than usual. This is not surprising since religious teachings of this period emphasize the importance of helping others, and many stories of the season involve giving in one way or another. If you are inclined to make gift-giving preparations, now is a good time...
MarketWatch Article: How to talk about estate planning with your family this holiday season without starting a fight
By: Nora Garvey
Taking the emotions out of death and financesAs families gather for the holidays, talking about long-term financial security and trusts may not be top of mind. Death and finances are often two of the most uncomfortable topics for families to talk...
ElderLawAnswers Article: The Coronavirus Pandemic Presents Ample Reasons to Reevaluate Your Estate Plan
The coronavirus health emergency is a reminder that life is unpredictable, and it makes sense to be prepared. It may sound self-serving, but the threats to life and finances posed by the pandemic offer ample reason to reevaluate your estate plan -- or create one if you haven't already.
Forbes Article: The Problems With Do-It-Yourself Online Wills
Written By Marguerite C. Lorenz
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As a professional trustee and executor, I have seen hundreds of estate-planning documents, including some from do-it-yourself online services. I appreciate that using a DIY site to draft a will can save money and time. But I’m also concerned that sometimes doing it this way...
Will a Simple Last Will and Testament meet your needs?
By Attorney Daniel M. Surprenant, Esq., CELA
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Many people think that all they need is a simple Last Will and Testament (Will). They also think that a Will directs all of their assets and...