Probate can be a complex and lengthy process that many people wish to avoid when planning their estates. While it’s possible to sidestep probate through various means, such as trusts, joint ownership, and beneficiary designations, individuals often make critical mistakes in their attempts to avoid probate that sometimes cause more harm than going through probate.…
As 2026 approaches, many of us are thinking about the habits we want to build and the changes we hope to make. Before you finalize your resolutions, consider adding one that will make a lasting impact: getting your estate plan in place. We all go into a new year with optimism, promising ourselves we’ll hydrate…
If you are on the fence about whether setting up a Trust and putting your property in a Trust, is the right path for you, you can now add “being exempt from affirming that your house meets current fire safety codes” to the pros column. In our Practice, we help clients decide if setting up…
Insurance can play a crucial role in estate planning by providing a source of funds to pay for estate taxes, debts, and other expenses. It can also help ensure that your loved ones are financially protected in the event of your unexpected death. Additionally, certain types of insurance, such as life insurance, can be used…
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.
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…
