Estate Planning

Are you one of the many Americans who’s “aging in place?” Even if you’re living in your own home and leading a relatively independent life, you likely still rely on one or more people to help you with things like repairs, getting to and from doctors’ appointments and...

A will contest is when someone believes that a decedent’s will should not stand. This can lead to a significant dispute between heirs. One person may claim that the will is fraudulent, for example, while the rest of the heirs believe that it is real and should be...

Probate, the legal procedure for validating a will and distributing assets after someone passes away, can be lengthy, costly, and complex. Many things can go wrong during probate, from misappropriation of assets to prolonged legal battles arising from family disputes....

Estate plans can be made to help instruct how a testator's assets should be distributed. This way there’s no confusion as to how an estate should be handled after the testator's passing. Furthermore, an estate plan can include several important details such as who...

Many married couples do everything together, even creating an estate plan or a will. Since they share so much of their lives, it may seem logical to make a joint will. Sharing a final will might not seem like a problem, but it is generally better for everyone to have...

When you’re doing your estate planning, remember that it needs to focus on more than just distributing assets to your heirs. This can be a good place to start, as you inventory those assets and write a will. But your plan needs to consider your health and medical...

You’ve run a successful company for several years now. Recently, you’ve been contemplating what will happen to it when you are no longer around. You’ve decided that you want to keep the business in the family, passing vital knowledge as well as your assets on to your...

If one of your children finds themself left out of your will, they are likely to be upset, even if you have done it because they do not need the money. That could lead to them trying to challenge it. So, if you intend to leave them out, you need to do it carefully to...

If you already have a will, you have done more to safeguard your interests and your legacy than the majority of American adults. If you regularly review your will and update it as necessary, your approach is head and shoulders above that of most others as well....

A will gives testators (those who make a will) much control over the distribution of their assets even after they have departed the world. When written in clear and concise language, wills can eliminate ambiguity and prevent will contests. Some things are best left...