Our Blog - Surety Matters

As confidence in the possibility of a real retirement falls, and the number of us living longer lives rises, there’s a real possibility that more of us will need public help in our later years….
Read Moreabout Too Much and Too Little? Medicaid Trusts

Conservators can be appointed to make financial decisions and safeguard assets for adults experiencing capacity declines, including changes related to aging and dementia. Professional conservators are a possibility and can be a huge relief for…
Read Moreabout Conservatorship vs Overprotection?

Serving as an executor requires a commitment of time,  ideally, beginning when a will is made and the role accepted. Preparatory conversations about intentions and pragmatics, such as account information, will be a gift down…
Read Moreabout Help for Executors: Probate Lawyers

Generally, families want to respect the intentions of the deceased, though doing so can be easier said than done, as probate of Aretha Franklin’s estate illustrates. It has been over four years since her death,…
Read Moreabout Respecting the Intentions of The Deceased

When accepting the request of a loved one or friend to serve as a trustee, keep in mind that the role comes with official, fiduciary obligations. In other words, as a trustee you are legally…
Read Moreabout Checklist for Trustees

Unfortunately, the death of a relative or friend can bring about unexpected reactions from beneficiaries–some of which can cost the estate a good deal of money, resulting in losses for other beneficiaries. Fortunately, in the…
Read Moreabout Litigious Beneficiary

Though separating from a partner is never easy, the rise of “gray divorce” feels particularly saddening. Whether driven by a lifetime of dissatisfaction or pain, or triggered by a recent disappointment, gray divorce is leaving…
Read Moreabout Gray Divorce: Estate Plan!

Though a bit more complicated than wills, and typically more expensive to set up, trusts can be very useful tools for estate planning. Read on for a basic understanding of trusts, as well as some…
Read Moreabout Trusts: An Overview

Plastic superhero figurines? Albums? Comic books? Tea cups? Matchbox cars? Pokemon? Coin purses? Hmmm….When dear friends or loved ones have unique and niche collections, chances are good that the rest of us might not fully…
Read Moreabout Imagine Inheriting Thousands Of…