probate blog
does a will avoid probate court

Does a Will Avoid Probate?

Clients are often unpleasantly surprised to learn that having a Last Will and Testament does not negate the need for probate. And they are sometimes annoyed when they learn that even though they are named as the Executor in a Will, that alone does not give them authority to access the decedent’s assets. Yet both of these statements are true.

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beneficiary and heir difference

Beneficiary Vs Heir – What Is The Difference?

Whether you are putting together your own Will or standing to receive assets left to you by someone else, you may wonder what the actual difference is between a beneficiary vs an heir. Some people may use the terms interchangeably, however, heirs and beneficiaries are not the same thing. Not all heirs are beneficiaries, and…

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inherited property

So You Inherited a Property. Now What?

Many families mistakenly believe that receiving an inherited property is as simple as listening to a reading of the Will and then that property magically belongs to you and you can do whatever you want with it. Sorry to burst that bubble, but a reading of the will is not a real thing – that’s…

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Britney Spears Guardianship

Britney Spears Case Puts Renewed Focus on Guardianships

Britney Spears’s legal fight to take back control over her personal and financial affairs has put a spotlight on the issue of guardianship. Full guardianship of an adult may be necessary for many individuals who are incapable of managing their own affairs. This may be due to dementia or intellectual, developmental or mental health disabilities.…

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probate bond ct

What Is a Probate Bond In Connecticut?

Say someone who owns individually-titled assets with no beneficiary designation passes away. Whether they have a Will or not, the deceased person’s estate has to go through probate. In some cases, a probate bond is required by a Probate Court in CT. A probate bond is an insurance policy to protect the estate of the…

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conservator of the person

Conservator of The Estate Vs. Conservator of The Person

There Are Two Basic Types of Conservatorships In Connecticut One to manage the conserved person’s financial affairs (Conservator of the Estate) and one to manage their personal affairs (conservator of the Person). The Probate Court may appoint two separate individuals to perform these roles or one person to oversee both. Conservator of The Estate The…

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