Estate Planning

When a family member dies, ownership of their property should transfer to next of kin. Unfortunately, if the person dies without a will, state law determines who gets the property, through the probate court. With a little planning, individuals and family members can plan to avoid the probate process so that property is inherited without…

Marriage and other major milestones in life should trigger emotion—joy or sorrow—as well as reckoning. They are events that estate planning professionals hope people recognize as prompts to reevaluate and document their end of life plans. It’s never too early to make an appointment with a professional estate planning attorney to discuss your assets, heirs,…

Blended families are those in which one or both partners have children from prior relationships. When these families merge—often sharing households—they are considered “blended.” Statistics show that about 16 percent of children in the U.S. are living in blended family situations with stepparents, stepsiblings, or half-siblings. Nearly 40 percent of marriages include one person who…

Planning for the disposition of your assets should be comprehensive, including your personal and business assets. Failing to plan for the succession of your business can turn into a complicated task for your family members, who may not have the hands-on skills or knowledge to avoid debilitating tax bills, forced liquidation, or management chaos.  With…

Your family home is likely the site of many happy memories that become more poignant as you age. As wonderful as it is to have a secure place that you enjoy, it’s an asset that must be included in your end of life plans. Passing the home along to a family member or heir takes…

Family disputes over inheritances are not uncommon, even if very few of them result in formally challenging a will in probate court. A lack of understanding about trusts and wills is part of the problem of family disputes. Not knowing the plans for dividing property – or the rationale behind the plan – can add…

An estate plan is a careful accounting and forward-looking plan for your assets. Estate plans can include trusts, a will, power of attorney, and long-term tax planning considerations. Keeping these documents updated is crucial to their proper synchronization when a triggering event occurs. An estate law specialist is the best person to consult regarding current…

When you create an estate plan, what’s your main goal? If you’re like most people, it’s to protect your loved ones and to provide a lasting legacy after you pass away. But the probate process can eat into the inheritance that your loved ones receive and may keep your loved ones from inheriting the property…

When you’re looking for a way to take care of your loved ones when you pass away, creating an estate plan is an absolute must. And for many people, establishing a trust can help them more effectively care for their beneficiaries and reduce the risk of costly probate processes eating into the inheritances they want…

Leaving behind a last will and testament is one of the easiest ways to ensure that your final wishes are honored. However, not everyone has a will and that lack of a will can complicate your loved ones’ ability to honor your final wishes over who inherits which parts of your estate. Here’s what your…