Americans are, quite literally, getting buried in debt, with nearly half expecting to pass away with outstanding debts.[1] The questions of what happens to your debts vary, both on the kind of debts they are, how they are owed, and the laws of your state. Unsecured debts, such as federal student loans, are typically forgiven upon […]
Fitness icon Richard Simmons, known for his flamboyant personality, high energy, and trademark attire, passed away in July 2024 following a fall at his Los Angeles home. Because of a legal dispute case between his longtime housekeeper, Teresa Reveles Muro, and his brother, Leonard (Lenny) Simmons, the estate of the Sweatin’ to the Oldies star is now […]
No one will ever be you or parent exactly like you. More than likely, however, someone you know could do a decent job providing for your children’s general welfare, education, and medical needs if you can no longer do so. Parents with minor children should name someone to raise their children in the event both parents […]
When you establish a trust, you nominate someone to be the trustee. The trustee is in charge of managing the trust’s accounts and property. If you are creating a revocable living trust, you will likely be the initial trustee. You will also want to name successors or backup trustees to step in and manage the trust’s […]
Once you have been appointed the executor or personal representative of a deceased loved one’s probate estate, or when you step in as the successor trustee of the loved one’s trust, one of the first things you should do is to notify the post office of the death and ask them to forward the deceased person’s […]
Stereotypes surrounding “only child syndrome” have largely been debunked, as recent studies show that only children, on average, develop social skills similar to those of children with siblings.[1] Further, outdated perceptions surrounding only children have shifted as the average size of the American family has shrunk, and one-child families have become far more common. Raising an […]
You regularly check the balances of your retirement, bank, and investment accounts. But when was the last time you checked the beneficiary designations on these accounts (and really, all the other accounts that allow you to name a beneficiary)? It may have been years since you first opened an individual retirement account, bought a life insurance […]
Michael Jackson passed away in 2009, but the settling of his estate continues more than 15 years after his death due to a lingering tax dispute with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and other legal challenges, including a lawsuit brought by his mother over a deal to sell part of his music rights to Sony Music […]
