How Does Probate Work?
A probate judge is an official of the county court system and a judicial official of the state, who decides civil court cases that involve the probate process.
What are the Key Documents in Estate Planning?
It can be easy to overlook, but an estate plan is essential for nearly everyone, whether you have a lot of money or just a little. An estate plan tells your heirs and the courts how to divide up your assets. However, it also helps protect your loved ones from unnecessary hassle and expense – as well as potentially months, even years, tied up in the court system settling your estate.
What are Digital Assets in an Estate?
Today, so many aspects of our lives are managed virtually. We keep currency, photos, music, documents, bills, medical records, artwork and even our social lives online or ‘in the cloud.’
When Should You Fund a Trust?
For larger estates, a revocable trust is generally the most effective tool for avoiding probate. It involves some setup costs. However, it allows you to manage the disposition of all of your wealth in one document, while retaining control and reserving the right to modify your plan.
What are the Worst Things to Leave in My Estate?
If you’re planning an inheritance, be careful about leaving these assets to a loved one. They may create more trouble than they’re worth.
Where Do You Score on Estate Planning Checklist?
Every so often, it’s smart to methodically go through your estate planning documents and see if any tweaks are needed. Here’s a checklist to guide you through that mission.
Do I Have to Give My Husband’s Children from First Marriage Anything When He Dies?”
Do my husband’s minor children from a prior marriage have any rights to any marital assets acquired during our marriage in the event he dies before me?
What is the Difference between Conservatorship and Guardianship?
The term ‘conservatorship’ was suddenly all over the news this year because of singer Britney Spears. However, whether you’ve been reading up on the topic because of current events or you’ve been trying to understand it for personal reasons, the legal jargon can be confusing.
Estate Planning for Special Needs Children
It takes a special parent to care for a child with special needs. These parents’ greatest financial concern is typically ensuring that their children are cared for when they can no longer do so.
If I Have a Will, Do I Have an Estate Plan?
While a will is often part of an estate plan, an estate plan covers much more ground.