The death of an iconic figure can sometimes impact us deeply because it reminds us of our shared humanity. With a celebrity’s passing, we realize that death is an equalizer. It also reminds us of the importance of estate planning to protect a person’s money and property. Estate planning is not reserved for those with large […]
Most people understand that having some sort of an estate plan is a good thing. Many people do not understand the nuances between a will and trust – and dying without either – but should not deter you from starting. Here is what will generally happen if you die, intestate (without a will or trust), with […]
When planning for death, most people assume they will die before their beneficiaries (e.g., their spouse, children, and grandchildren). While these assumptions are often well-founded, they do not always come to pass. Sometimes a beneficiary of an estate or trust dies before the person leaving the inheritance. If this has happened to you, you may be […]
In the hectic and sometimes dangerous world that we live in, it is an unfortunate fact of life that accidents happen and people get injured. The U.S. legal system is designed so that those who suffer injury through the avoidable fault of others can seek compensation for those injuries. Sometimes those injuries are so severe that […]
Are you confused about the differences between wills and trusts? If so, you are not alone. While it is always wise to contact experts like us regarding your estate planning, it is important to understand the basics. Here is a simple reference guide which highlights the major differences between the two most common types of estate plans: […]
When starting your estate plan, it is best to understand that one size never fits all. Estate plans are best when tailored to your needs, but it raises the question of which plan is the best for you and your family? The two most common types of estate plans are Will-Based Plans and Trust-Based Plans. The […]
Most people think of probate (the process of collecting, managing, and distributing a deceased person’s money and property) as a private process. Wills are filed at the courthouse, and therefore probated estates become a matter of public record and can be seen by everyone. That means your nosy neighbor Nellie can simply go down to the […]
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 […]
