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.
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 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.
Can I Be Certain My Estate Plan Is Successful?
Your estate plan is much more likely to be successful, when you recognize and avoid the most common mistakes and take some key actions that often are overlooked.
How Do You Split Estate in a Blended Family?
A second marriage can be a balm for the heartache of losing a spouse, be it through death or divorce. Nevertheless, if there are children or other heirs involved, you should consider carefully what will happen with your money and possessions when you pass on.
What Not to Do when Creating an Estate Plan
Sometimes people attempt to make an estate plan online without consulting legal and financial professionals to avoid the higher cost. However, everyone’s situation is unique, and using a boilerplate estate plan can lead to mistakes.
What Is the Primary Purpose of a Credit Shelter Trust?
A credit shelter trust is used to help married couples with significant assets pass their estates after their deaths to children or other beneficiaries without incurring estate taxes.
Why Do You Need a Health Care Directive?
A heath care directive is a legal document that lets you express your health care preferences and, if you wish, designate authority to someone to make care decisions for you, if you cannot make them yourself.
What You Need to Know about Probate
A will is a legal document that spells out the distribution of your assets and how your children will be cared for at your death. Probate is a process used to prove a decedent’s will is valid and to supervise the handling of their estate.