Estates
Estates
Estates
Transferring Real Estate to Heirs: Issues that Can Arise Without a Will
When someone dies owning real estate, problems may occur — especially if the individual doesn’t have a will. This article addresses some of the issues that could arise so that you can plan ahead to make the process go smoothly for your heirs. A person can leave real property specifically to someone in a will […]
Estates
Want Your Estate to Avoid Probate? Six Ways to Make it Happen
Life is busy. If you’re like most people, you have a long list of things to do. However, it’s critical to make time regularly to consider whether you’ve set up your estate in a way that will result in your wishes being eventually fulfilled. You may have heard people say you should “avoid probate” in […]
Estates
How to Wrap Up an Estate
If you’re an executor or personal representative of an estate — or even an heir — eventually you want closure on the estate. Sometimes, estate proceedings continue to be open for years with no end in sight. There are certain steps that must be taken to close the estate. This article describes the general procedures. […]
Estates
Prepare Your Family with an Estate Planning Letter
As part of your estate planning, it’s a good idea to have a non-binding letter to your spouse, children and other heirs outlining where the important documents are kept and who to contact for help in administering your estate. The following example is meant to be given to your spouse. Edit it to suit your […]
Estates
The Importance of Earnestly Organizing Documents
The paper trail that follows us throughout our lives includes records that track births, deaths, marriages, divorces and adoptions — among other life changing events. Personal records also document purchases, investments, assets and home improvements. Organizing records may not be the most enjoyable task, but it gives you a full picture of your finances and […]
Estates
Name an Understudy for Yourself with a Power of Attorney
Few images are as scary as imagining yourself incapacitated. Still, you should consider the possibility that in your absence, someone else will have to take care of business and make important decisions. Enter the power of attorney. Here’s what you need to know about this important legal document. As the principal, you choose someone (often […]
Estates
Picking a Guardian for Your Children
If you have minor children, you’ve probably had a “plane crash” nightmare: You and your spouse are on an airliner, when it suddenly plunges from the sky, leaving your kids at home with Grandma and Grandpa — for the rest of their lives. Two Pieces of Advice Check with your estate planning attorney. Details for […]
Estates
Why You Need a Durable Power of Attorney For Finances
Incapacitation is a possibility for people as they grow older. A durable power of attorney assigned to a trustworthy and responsible individual can help alleviate worries that health problems will prevent you from handling financial matters at some point in the future. Unfortunately, incapacitation can happen to anyone at any time. How Durable Is a […]
Estates