About two out of three Americans will die without a will. This is known as dying intestate. While the reasons for not having a will vary, the end result is the same for everyone: they do not get to choose who receives their property when they die. Instead, their money and property are distributed according to the […]
The recent accidental death of Anne Heche was a shocking reminder of how the everyday can quickly turn into the tragic. While driving through the Mar Vista neighborhood of Los Angeles on August 5, 2022, Heche was involved in a car crash and succumbed to her injuries a week later. The official cause of death was […]
For LGBTQ+ Americans, estate planning can be even more important. Despite same-sex marriages being legally recognized since 2015, couples composed of sexual and gender minorities still face estate planning challenges not encountered by other “traditional” same-sex couples. Issues such as unaccepting family members, child adoption by nonbiological parents, and LGBTQ+ couples living together unmarried underscore the […]
Our lives are full of everyday superstitions. Knock on wood, don’t step on sidewalk cracks, and that talking about bad things make them more likely to happen. This last one is among the most given reasons why people don’t make estate plans. “If I talk about it, then I’ll die” goes the excuse. Unfortunately, this is […]
It’s no secret that people love to watch dramatizations of their legal system in action. Nearly every law school student can point to fond memories of watching Perry Mason, Matlock, or Law & Order as their representation of legal work in action. Part of the ongoing nostalgia is revisiting those earlier favorite shows and films. In fact, […]
As a single individual, you may feel overwhelmed about estate planning. If you don’t have many assets, you may wonder if an estate plan is even worth it. Yet, for single people, estate planning matters very much, since there is more than just probating your estate. Questions of who can act on your behalf when you […]
If an individual dies without having properly prepared an estate plan (meaning they died intestate), they can leave their family members feeling overwhelmed. There are a number of dangers associated with failing to put a well-thought-out estate plan in place that could make your family members feel as though they are drowning if you were to […]
After a loved one dies, his or her estate must be settled. While most people want the settlement process to be done ASAP, probate can take what seems like forever — between 6 and 12 months, believe it or not. The time delays create unnecessary stress. Six Reasons Probate Takes So Long There are many reasons […]
