If you look up how to make a will right now, you’ll likely come across several free and paid sites that can make you a will in a matter of minutes. These programs often advertise quick and easy wills that cover everything you need – but, that’s often far from the...
Estate Administration & Probate
There are 2 estate taxes that could apply to your legacy
Your estate plan needs to address not just your assets but also your obligations. It is a common oversight for people creating wills and similar testamentary documents to focus solely on what they want to give to others and not consider outside factors that will...
Have investment properties? Here’s what happens when you die
If you have spent your time investing, you probably have several properties that you’d like to pass on to your loved ones when you pass away. To do that, you will need to include those properties in your estate plan. There are a few different ways that you can pass on...
Why sibling estate disputes can be so difficult to resolve
In cases where siblings, now adults, wind up in a dispute over their parents’ estate, things can get very complicated. These types of disputes can be much harder to resolve than you would expect. The problem is that there's a lot more going on than just the...
Could you be at risk of guardianship as you grow older?
The goal of guardianship is to protect an adult left vulnerable due to mental health issues or a lack of testamentary capacity. If someone cannot make good decisions on their own behalf and manage their independent life without support, concerned family members or...
Why a simple will isn’t enough
If you don't have an estate plan and you decide to write a will, that is a good step to take. It does help to protect your family and your assets. But it is just the first step. It is typically not nearly enough to consider being done with your estate planning. It’s...
Leaving a business to your children? Consider these tips
You started your own business almost thirty years ago. What was once just a dream in your garage is now a multimillion-dollar company. It has really funded your lifestyle for decades, and everyone has benefited greatly. But now it is time to pass that business on to...
Can parents play favorites even in their estate plans?
Children all need the love and support of their parents. In families with multiple children, the ideal would be for each child to receive a similar amount of love and affection from their parents but many parents display obvious favoritism in how they interact with...
Will estate taxes impact your intended legacy?
When you die, you want as much of your property as possible to pass on to the people you love. You likely have strong feelings about which loved ones should receive certain assets from your estate. Creating an estate plan gives you control over the distribution of...
Did a caregiver exert undue influence on your parent’s last will?
Disputes about the contents of an estate or the terms of a last will among beneficiaries are relatively common. Still, most of these disputes primarily affect family and interpersonal relationships, rather than the legal administration of someone's estate. However,...