Executors: Go Above and Beyond
When a will is made, the creator designates a fiduciary, typically referred to as an executor, to see that it is carried out in accordance with state probate protocols. During probate, it is critical…
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Divvying Up The Estate?
What matters most: equal or fair? Ensuring that adult children all benefit from a share of our assets requires clear thinking—and courageous communication. While it is easy and typical to say each child gets…
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Precatory Language?
Wishing. Hoping. Wanting. These words convey suggestions, but not direct orders: they are precatory, and therefore not generally useful in official estate planning documents like wills or trusts, which demand absolute clarity. Nonetheless, attorneys…
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Probate: Final Distribution of Assets?
Probate is the public process of paying off debts and distributing assets, either in accordance with the terms of a will or, absent a will, the state laws of intestacy. Although probate tends to…
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Incentive Trusts: If You Do This…
When inspiring those we care about to achieve life goals is an important consideration during estate planning, establishing an incentive trust might be the way to go. Read on for an overview of incentive…
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What Exactly Is An Estate?
Simply put, an estate is the sum total of everything we own. Planning for what becomes of our assets—aka estate planning, makes sense for everyone, ensuring affairs are in order for loved ones, and…
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Joint Ownership: For Convenience?
Having more then one owner named on property or financial accounts generally enables a smooth transition upon the death of one owner. Estate planning experts share examples and advice about the usefulness of joint…
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We’re A Happy Family?
Family and estate lawyers see a lot—and it is not always pretty. Accordingly, attorneys advice that it’s best to button up estate plans carefully, so that conflicts cannot spring up through the cracks. Here,…
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Executor and Beneficiary?
Yes, it is possible to serve as an executor for a deceased loved one—and be a beneficiary of some of their assets too. In fact, quite commonly, the executor named when a will is…
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