Our Blog - Surety Matters

  While the saying “you can’t take it with you,” is true of our money and possessions, taxes do follow us into death, remaining due until paid off, usually by the personal representative or other…
Read Moreabout Death and Taxes: Who Pays What?

  Among the gifts of later life marriages, is the hard won experience that informs relationships. Marrying later in life may have unique challenges too, since everything from our pasts comes with us, including children,…
Read Moreabout Older and Wiser: Marriage and Estate Plans

  Making formal “if this/then that” finance plans (aka prenuptial contracts) in advance of marriage is not the same as estate planning, however prenup arrangements can be a helpful way to jumpstart a collaborative estate…
Read Moreabout Prenups and Estate Planning?

  Adding transfer-on-death (TOD) and payable-on-death (POD) designations to financial accounts can be a helpful way to ensure beneficiaries efficiently receive assets intended for them. However, to avoid unintended negative consequences, account designations do need…
Read Moreabout Estate Planning: Transfer Designations?

  Deep sorrow is normal following the death of a loved one, and ultimately, nothing we do is likely to change that. We can, however, do the important tasks of leaving our affairs in order…
Read Moreabout Heartbroken?

  The name given to the person charged with settling the affairs of the deceased depends on the circumstances involved. When a will is made, typically an executor is designated to carry it out. When…
Read Moreabout Executor or Administrator?

  Intentions for the family home to be given equally to adult children are common in estate planning. Typically, this ultimately means the home must be sold, so that assets can be divided. Along the…
Read Moreabout Estate Administration and The Family Home?

  Most adults know estate planning is important, but for many of us, it remains a blurry notion for the “someday” list. Here’s help preparing: with clarity on who you will involve, and who you…
Read Moreabout Preparing For Estate Planning

  Confusion and conflict are unfortunate, but sometimes unavoidable upon the death of a loved one. Before pursuing courtroom resolution via probate litigation, consider negotiation or mediation, with the assistance of an experienced probate attorney….
Read Moreabout Alternatives To Probate Litigation?