When a dispute arises during estate administration (probate), it requires probate litigation. When someone passes away, their assets and debts must be settled and distributed according to their valid will or the applicable state laws of intestacy (dying without a…
As a precautionary measure, you should make provisions in case you become incapacitated and require someone to manage your affairs. These legal documents can grant broad authority to one or more power of attorney agents to transact business or make…
Wealth transfer can be protected from excessive taxation by applying tax avoidance principles. Still, it requires careful planning and oversight to ensure techniques don’t cross the line to tax evasion. Assessing tax options can determine the best way to conduct business, personal,…
Parents don't usually think about death, illness, or injury when they are young. As unlikely as such a serious event is, it is a possibility. This is why we pay for medical insurance, disability insurance, and life insurance. Even though…
Suppose you became seriously ill or injured and could no longer make your own healthcare decisions? You don’t have to be old to become incapacitated. A living will, a component of an advance health care directive, can outline your wishes…
For high-net-worth families, many legal strategies are employed to preserve wealth and minimize taxes. However, tax laws continually change and can impact new and existing estate plans. For example, the SECURE and SECURE 2.0 Act presents some challenges and opportunities…
We often hear this question. If you need a trust, read on to find out what kind suits your situation and whether you need one. For example, maybe you have a disabled child and you want a trust to permit…
An estate will details who will receive a deceased person's property and which person (called the executor) will be responsible for settling the estate after death. For many reasons, beneficiaries can feel slighted by what they did or didn’t receive,…
We can find it difficult to talk about death because it is such a heavy topic. Planning for it can seem even harder. But end-of-life planning is an important part of estate planning and a gift to your loved ones.…
Guardianships and conservatorships are legal arrangements for adults with developmental disabilities who are incapable of making important decisions or caring for themselves on their own. Establishing a legal guardian is the job of the court, which appoints a person (guardian)…