Our Blog - Surety Matters

 Achieving educational goals can be life-changing—as is the gift of paid tuition! A trust can be a great way to gift education to family members. Unlike a will, a trust, overseen by a trustee, allows…
Read Moreabout Educational Goals and Family Trusts

Unlike wills, trusts do not pass through the public probate process—and therefore can protect a family’s privacy. Some families, however, end up with public conflicts even when a trust has been established. Take, for example,…
Read Moreabout Out of Trust?

Every state has a probate process: legal steps through which property is transferred from the dead to the living. If there is a will, it is admitted to probate court to initiate the process. If…
Read Moreabout Probate and Personal Representatives?

When a family member or friend asks you to serve as the trustee, it’s an honor, conveying they trust you to look out for the beneficiaries. It is also, of course, a big responsibility. Before…
Read Moreabout Trustee? Ask These Questions First

We all need an estate plan. Frequently, a basic last will and testament is a great way to lay out your wishes and leave affairs organized for your loved ones. Sometimes, depending on your intentions…
Read Moreabout Trusts Are Helpful When…

  Dick Robinson, CEO of Scholastic, died, suddenly this summer. Though most of us didn’t know him, we have all most likely touched some of the many mega-successful publications that are part of his legacy….
Read Moreabout Surprise Heir? Scholastic Drama

  Marrying again later in life? Beautiful! Do talk about your hopes for how assets are to be shared with loved ones when you die. Better yet, experts say, make a plan. Don’t forget to…
Read Moreabout Second Marriage? Estate Planning Tips

  Gallup’s latest poll indicates that despite the traumatic lessons of the pandemic, the percentage of American’s who have created a will has remained about the same for the past three decades. Here are the…
Read Moreabout Wills: Make One?

  Each state has its own procedures and laws for the probate process, though the end goal is the same: transferring assets out of the deceased person’s name to heirs or beneficiaries. When there is…
Read Moreabout What Are The Steps of Probate?