Category Archives: Intestacy
Remind Me Why I Need a Will
There are a number of reasons to draft a will as soon as possible. If you die without a will (intestate), you leave decisions up to your state of residence according to its probate and intestacy laws. Without a will, you have no say as to who receives your assets or properties. Not having… Read More »
Will I Get A Bill as My Inheritance?
When someone dies and leaves debts, you may ask if you have any personal liability to pay them. The answer is typically no, even though those debts don’t automatically disappear. However, there are situations in which you may have to address issues with a loved one’s creditors after they are gone, says KAKE’s recent… Read More »
How Much Should We Tell the Children about the Estate Plan?
Congratulations, if you have finished your estate plan. You and your estate planning attorney created a plan that is suited for your family, you have checked on beneficiary designations, signed all of the necessary documents and named an executor to carry out your directions when you pass. However, have you talked about your estate… Read More »
What’s Involved in the Probate Process?
SWAAY’s recent article entitled “What is the Probate Process in Florida?” says that while every state has its own laws, the probate process can be fairly similar. Here are the basic steps in the probate process: The family consults with an experienced probate attorney. Those mentioned in the decedent’s will should meet with a… Read More »
Do I Have to Accept an Inheritance?
If you do not want to accept an inheritance, you have to disclaim. For most, this is not often done because they are not able to disclaim an item in the hopes that they can chose a comparable item. More importantly, they cannot direct or decide who gets their disclaimed asset. MarketWatch’s recent article… Read More »
Do I Need More Than a Will?
If you die without a will (i.e., intestate), a court will determine who inherits your assets and who would care for any surviving children as a guardian. CNBC’s recent article entitled “A will doesn’t cover all your bases when it comes to end-of-life decisions. Here’s what else you need” explains that some assets pass… Read More »
What Basic Estate Planning Documents Do I Need?
AARP’s recent article entitled “Sign These Papers” suggests that the following documents will give you and your family financial protection, as well as peace of mind. Advance Directive. This document gives your family, loved ones and medical professionals your instructions for your health care. A living will, which is a kind of advance directive,… Read More »
When Can an Executor Start Paying the Heirs of an Estate?
An estate executor or Personal Representative is the person who has been named to administer the estate of a deceased person. The PR is either named by the testator in the will or is appointed by the Court where the PR named in the will has resigned or where the decedent died intestate or… Read More »
Estate Planning During a Pandemic
KCRA’s article entitled“5 things to know about estate planning” says that estate planning is a topic that people frequently don’t like to think about. However, more people now want to create a will or revise one that’s already in existence, because of the COVID-19 pandemic. You should have a will. You can find forms… Read More »
How Do I Avoid the Three Biggest Estate Planning Mistakes?
After you die, your last will and testament must be approved by the local probate court. The judge will determine if the document is the last will of the deceased, review the inventory of the estate and confirm who will administer the estate proceeds. It’s known as “executing” a will. Wealth Advisor’s recent article… Read More »