Death Archives | MRC Law Corp

Death

The “Death Box”: One Step That Can Make a Difficult Time Easier for Your Loved Ones

Losing a loved one is challenging enough without added complications. One way you can take some of the pain out of administering your estate is by preparing a death box, also called a death binder, next-of-kin box, or legacy folder. It serves as a centralized place to organize important information and documents in a productive, practical way, ensuring that all necessary paperwork is kept in a single location and that those who need it know where to find it.

August 5, 2026

Death

Celebrate Your Life Your Way: How to Make Funerals and Memorials Meaningful

For many families, traditional services offer comfort and continuity; for others, a conventional funeral may feel disconnected from the life being honored. In addition to options such as cremation, more Americans are exploring memorial alternatives that include celebrations of life and even living funerals. Whatever your preferences, you may wish to plan for your memorial services well ahead of time.

July 27, 2026

Beneficiary

Love, Loss, and Legacy: Handling Sentimental Belongings After the Death of a Loved One

While your estate plan may describe in detail who will receive big-ticket items, your loved ones may argue over small nostalgic items that you unintentionally omitted. To prevent family strife and forestall bickering among your loved ones, you also need to think in a big-picture way about the little things in your estate.

July 8, 2026

Committed, Protected, Prepared: Estate Planning Tips for Unmarried Partners

If you and your partner choose not to marry, you must have an estate plan tailored to your individual situation. Without an estate plan, your partner generally has no legal authority to make decisions for you if you become injured or incapacitated (unable to manage your own affairs) or to inherit from you when you pass away.

June 1, 2026

Death

When Is an Estate Subject to State Death Taxes?

State-level estate and inheritance taxes (often referred to collectively as death taxes) can significantly impact how much ultimately passes to a person’s loved ones, making it essential to understand state death tax rules when creating a comprehensive estate plan.

May 22, 2026

Death

Do It Now: Name a Guardian for Your Minor Children

Parents with minor children need to nominate a guardian in case both parents die or become incapacitated (unable to manage their own affairs) before their children reach adulthood. While the likelihood of that happening might be slim, the consequences of not naming a guardian are serious.

December 12, 2025

Death

What to Do After a Loved One Dies

As the person in charge of winding up your loved one’s affairs, you may find yourself juggling many tasks: planning the funeral, coordinating with relatives arriving from out of town, and meeting with an attorney to start the legal process of paying for final expenses and any outstanding debts so the money and property can be distributed to the appropriate recipients. Be sure to take care of yourself during this emotional time.

December 8, 2025

Death

Help! This Probate Is Taking Forever!

Creating a trust to hold accounts and property can avoid the long, complicated probate process.

October 27, 2025

Death

3 Simple Ways to Avoid Probate Costs

The bad news: Going through probate court may lead to various expenses, including fees for attorneys, executors, appraisers, accountants, court filings, and other costs required by state law. The good news: Many costs can be reduced by avoiding probate altogether.

October 24, 2025

Asset Protection

3 Powers to Consider Giving to a Trust Protector

Including in your trust a trust protector who will have the ability to make necessary adjustments to the trust provisions as circumstances, beneficiaries, and governing laws change is important.

October 22, 2025