Our Blog - Surety Matters

As you move from thinking you “should” make a will to getting on with doing so, you might encounter some confusing legal terminology. Don’t let that stop you. Here are a few basic terms to…
Read Moreabout Wills: Terminology Explained

When you execute the will of a family member or friend, you are likely to find yourself coping with high levels of emotion as well as the legalities of the probate process, as you honor…
Read Moreabout Avoiding Conflict When Executing a Will

  When the time comes to execute the will of a loved one or friend, you may find yourself with a growing list of duties and chores you didn’t quite anticipate when you accepted the…
Read Moreabout Excel at Execution: Will You?

  Essential duties of executors include settling the financial affairs of the deceased and distributing assets to heirs based on the will. Sometimes, this means the executor is expected to sell belongings and real estate,…
Read Moreabout Executing an Estate: What’s Prudent?

  If you have made a will, you have probably also designated an executor to carry out the intentions expressed in it. Good for you—these are tasks many of us just can’t seem to bring…
Read Moreabout Wills, Executors and Documents

Yes, it’s OK to talk about—and it’s even a new norm: planning for the well being of your pet after you die. Though setting aside funds for the future of beloved pets was likely not…
Read Moreabout Pets and Estate Planning?

We all know—at least in theory—the importance of having a will that clearly communicates our intentions for passing along assets (be they few or many) It’s also important to appoint someone to execute the will…
Read Moreabout Assets Passed Outside of Wills?

Testator Intent or Scrivener’s Error? A recent sibling dispute over a will in Texas underscores the importance of testator intent in probate law. An appeals court affirmed a trial court decision to reform a will,…
Read Moreabout Testator Intent or Scrivener’s Error?

 When setting up a trust for a loved one with special needs, you’ll also choose a trustee, which might be yourself, or a friend, relative or professional. No matter who you choose, it’s important to…
Read Moreabout Special Needs and the Trustee Role