What is a testate estate? In this article, we answer this question and the implications of having an intestate estate when you pass away. Testate? Intestate? What do all these legal terms mean? When you are in the process of deciding whether estate planning is right for you, the terminology …
Read MoreKid Going to College? Here’s Why Having a Healthcare Power of Attorney Is Critical
Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, schools across the country are back in session. If your child is headed off to college this fall, it’s critical—especially during this unprecedented time—to have legal protections in place so you can make decisions for your legal adult child. A healthcare power of attorney is one …
Read MoreEstate Planning for Unmarried Couples Is a Must: What You Should Do to Protect Yourselves
Estate planning for unmarried couples is just as important as it is for those who are married. In fact, it is even more essential because unmarried couples do not have the legal protections that their married counterparts do. Read on to learn how you can protect yourself. You do not …
Read MoreHow Luke Perry’s Estate Planning Probably Helped His Grieving Family After His Death
Everyone needs to think about estate planning. Case in point, Luke Perry. On March 4, 2019, actor Luke Perry—best-known for his roles in Beverly Hills 90210 and, more recently, Riverdale—passed away. Because he was only 52 years old, the cause of his death was a surprising one. No one thought …
Read MoreA Will Isn’t Enough: 5 Reasons Why (According to an Estate Planning Attorney)
It’s something that we see happen too often as an estate planning attorney team, even though it doesn’t fully protect people—relying on a will alone for an estate plan. Wills can do a lot to help you prepare your estate, and for many people, they are sufficient to cover everything. …
Read MoreWhat Happens During Probate? A Probate Lawyer Discusses the Court Process
Before you hire a probate lawyer, you probably want to know what happens during the probate process. In short, probate is the process by which the courts settle a decedent’s estate—during the process, the court authenticates the last will and testament and appoints an executor, who locates the assets of …
Read MoreIs My IRA Included in My Estate? Some Tips and Common Mistakes
By now, you’ve probably been contributing to your IRA for many years. It’s the nest egg that is going to get you through the best years of your life. But there’s one question you need to ask yourself: is my IRA included in my estate? We don’t want to think …
Read MoreTop 4 Reasons to Avoid Probate: In the Words of a Miami Probate Attorney
It’s impossible to emphasize how important it is to avoid probate. While some people might think that having a will is enough, the truth is that it simply isn’t. Take this woman’s story, for example. Elaine was married to Rick for ten years and had two children with him. Because …
Read MoreEstate Trust: How to Prevent Financial Abuse
Can you imagine a trusted friend, or even one of your children, taking advantage of your finances as you age? Or, alternatively, does the thought of someone stealing from your aging mother or father sound far-fetched? Sadly, in the estate and trust profession, elder financial abuse is more common than …
Read MoreHow Do You Choose an Executor of a Will?
If you’ve got a will, you’ll need to appoint an executor. Choosing an executor of a will is one of the most important estate planning decisions that you’ll have to make, so it’s best to choose wisely. The right person for the job will not only be a person you …
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