Probate

It was a tragic day for music lovers everywhere when Prince died. It has been a nightmare, however, trying to divide his estate. If Prince had made a will before his untimely death, the process of splitting up his assets would have been a far simpler one than it ended up being. While that circumstance…

A lack of testamentary capacity is one of the main ways to challenge the validity of a will. Undue influence, the presence of a later will or a codicil, and a lack of will formalities are the other common methods. One may assert a lack of testamentary capacity if a testator (the person who prepares…

Over the past 18 months, many families have lost loved ones to the coronavirus. Others found themselves in ICUs, fighting to survive. This type of experience often puts things in perspective, and many people began to seriously reflect upon what will happen to their children and their loved ones in the event that they pass…

Probate has a bad reputation, but it is an undeserved one. To “probate” a will means to prove its validity in an official capacity. Every estate – whether there is a will or not – will go through the probate process. The single best thing you can do if your loved one dies is hire…

It is not uncommon for people to confuse the role of a probate attorney with that of an estate planning attorney. After all, both attorneys deal with estates and all that comes with them. The roles, however, come at different points. An estate planning attorney helps you plan for the future; a probate attorney helps…

Experienced estate planning attorneys help you choose and create the correct documents. Wills are generally used to appoint the executor of your estate, choose the guardians for any minor children, and dictate which people and organizations will receive your assets when you’re gone. Effective estate planning helps minimize the need for probate and the amount…

Leaving physical property like real estate to your children is not always easy. You are within your rights to designate multiple people as beneficiaries upon your death. However, multiple beneficiaries can increase the risk of a fight between them if they cannot agree on what to do with the inheritance. This could lead to one…

When someone loses a loved one, the difficulties are not only emotional but many times financial, as the deceased’s assets must be properly handled and distributed to the rightful heirs of the estate. These concerns involve issues related to the loved one’s Will (if any), debts, and property. In addition to this, a surviving spouse…

Probate and wills can be a touchy subject for many people. It forces them to face their mortality, which isn’t the most pleasant thought for anyone. However, having plans in place beforehand can eliminate long and drawn-out court battles between members of your family and loved ones. Having an attorney prepare a will as part…