Estate Planning

Probate court exists in part to help ensure the fair and appropriate distribution of people's property when they die. Left to their own devices, some people will lie to their family members or even steal from an estate. The probate courts help provide oversight for...

There are a few things that nearly everyone needs to include: beneficiaries, asset itemization, executor of the estate and valid signatures for proof of its authenticity. One of the many things people don’t realize is included in a will is a power of attorney (POA)....

Typically, when a person thinks of estate planning, they think about who will get their house, car or family heirlooms after they die. While estate distribution takes up a large portion of a will, there are important matters that also need to be discussed. In...

Many adults choose to set up an estate plan while they’re still capable of making decisions about where they want their assets to go when they die. For the most part, these plans are followed without issue, but there are times when a will needs to be challenged. A...

If you have two or more children whom you need to provide for financially in case you pass away before they’re all grown, you can create what’s sometimes called a “pot trust.” It goes by other names, like common trust and pooled trust, as well. You may want to name...

Animals are vital to society for many reasons. Some of them, like police dogs and ethically-managed lab animals, work hard for their keep and provide humanity with invaluable benefits. However, the leading reason animals have a critical place in society is because of...

If you are worried that your heir is going to waste their inheritance after you leave it to them in your will, you are certainly not alone. This is something that a lot of people think about, with some studies of wealthy individuals saying that nearly seven out of 10...

Are you a diehard do-it-yourselfer with a sizable estate? If so, you have probably achieved much in your life using hard work, skills and a talent for learning. You can meet many of your goals by going it alone, but some things function best under the guidance of...

There are many reasons why it makes sense to have an attorney review your will. If you don’t have someone look it over, you may make mistakes that could invalidate your will and make it less protective than you’d hoped. To make sure your family doesn’t face unexpected...

A will is the cornerstone of any estate plan. It lets you outline what you wish to happen to your assets when you pass on. Basically, a will lets you state who will get what when you pass on. It also lets you designate a guardian for your minor child.  However, it is...