Our Blog - Surety Matters

Probate often gets a bad rap, likely because it is associated with two things we dread: death and bureaucratic procedures. Nonetheless, most families will likely experience probate, which is not to be confused with probate…
Read Moreabout Probate Is Normal, Probate Litigation Is Not

While most of us know that having a plan for the future is a responsible step, the idea of “estate planning” often gets pushed to the back burner, filed under “someday.” But a well-crafted estate…
Read Moreabout Estate Planning For Life

If successful, a replevin action in civil court returns wrongfully taken property to the rightful owner. Examples of replevin cases include: repossession of a car after payment defaults, disputes between landlords and tenants, and property…
Read Moreabout Replevin Cases and Bonds Explained

When we die, our financial matters must be sorted out. Is money owed on a car or other property? What about taxes? After debts are paid, remaining assets can be distributed. Who gets them, in…
Read Moreabout Understanding The Basics of Probate

The term for the individual responsible for closing out the affairs of a deceased relative or friend can be tricky, so here’s help. When someone dies without a will, probate court typically appoints an administrator….
Read Moreabout Administrator? Executor? Personal Representative?

Sooner or later in life, we have to take the ultimate actions of adulting: making plans for our later years, which include provisions for our caregiving needs in the event of decline, and the gifting…
Read Moreabout Let’s Talk: Money, Values and Hopes

The public process of bringing the affairs of the deceased to closure, aka probate, tends to sound scary and off-putting, and is often surrounded by confusion, and misinformation. Here are simple answers to the basic…
Read Moreabout Probate Questions Answered

During a trial, attorneys present evidence and argue cases before a judge and jury. If there are grounds to challenge a trial court decision, the case goes to an appeals court, where an argument is…
Read Moreabout Trial Vs. Appeal?

Estate planning is an important way for every parent to prepare for the inevitable, but it is doubly important for families when special needs children are involved. Future care plans must be carefully thought through,…
Read Moreabout Special Needs? SNT Explained