Probate is the legal process that recognizes a will and appoints an executor to administer an estate and distribute it to the intended beneficiaries, according to the American Bar Association (ABA). Navigating the probate process will vary according to state law.…
When you can no longer make health care decisions due to serious illness or injury, what would happen? You don’t have to be old to become incapacitated. A living will, a component of an advance health care directive, can outline your…
Sibling rivalry. Families are prone to old rivalries from the past becoming more evident after the death of a parent. Adult children who are emotionally upset and in the unfamiliar territory of an inheritance process can invent new problems or magnify…
Most Americans believe estate planning is a one-time chore that can be filed away after it is completed. However, without being aware of the potential impact, people will make gifts during their lifetime or change listed beneficiaries on accounts which can…
Thirty years ago, a traditional family consisted of a man and woman who were young and in love, would buy a house, have children, and strive for financial stability and security. In 1949, 79.8 percent of American households were married…
Generally, a power of attorney designates a trusted individual to act on your behalf. They could be related to personal finances, business operations, or medical needs and used for a single immediate purpose or an ongoing situation. This may sound…
Planning for the future and considering financial matters can be a challenging and emotional experience. However, it is crucial to wisely manage your assets while aging and provide for the family members who will survive you. Your elder law attorney knows…
You probably have questions about how you want your estate dispersed and who is responsible for that process, whether you are in the middle of estate planning or just starting to think about it. A trust can be a great…
Probate litigation can be triggered by a variety of family circumstances. Two fundamental reasons still remain; disagreements over how to handle a mentally incapacitated relative or disagreements over how the estate should be divided after death. A dysfunctional family, a…
Even though probate sounds expensive and complex, it is a legal procedure that formalizes how assets pass from descendants to chosen heirs or beneficiaries. According to your state laws, probate may be necessary depending on the type of property you…