
Keep Certain Assets Out of a Trust to Avoid Probate
Living trusts are powerful estate planning tools, but not every asset belongs in one. Knowing which property to exclude prevents complications and protects your legacy.

Living trusts are powerful estate planning tools, but not every asset belongs in one. Knowing which property to exclude prevents complications and protects your legacy.

Verbal promises about inheritances often fail when the written estate plan says otherwise. This disconnect fuels sibling disputes that can fracture families and deplete estates.

Families navigating the aftermath of a loved one’s passing must act quickly. Probate deadlines are strict, and delays can jeopardize the estate’s smooth settlement.

Whether it’s because of work, school or a marriage, it isn’t uncommon for a parent to have children and other loved ones scattered across the United States.

The portion the surviving spouse can claim depends on the circumstances.

This summer’s passing of Ozzy Osbourne was mourned by heavy metal fans and caught the attention of estate planning attorneys for lessons about how wealth is distributed among members of a blended family. Whether you liked his music or not, Osbourne left an estate estimated to be worth $230 million plus future royalties, reports a recent article from Think Advisor, “What Wealthy Families Can Learn From a Rock Star’s Estate.” There’s no estate battle for now. However, only time will tell if the Osbourne family faces issues like those of many blended families. There’s no simple playbook for these situations,…

Estate planning ensures that your children and assets are cared for according to your wishes.

Trusts can be powerful estate planning tools. However, simple errors can lead to delays, disputes and unintended outcomes.

Probate can tie up assets, create delays and drain estate value—many families benefit from planning around it.

Even trusted financial advisors can overlook key estate planning steps—mistakes that may leave your legacy vulnerable.