Beneficiary Designations Usually Take Precedence over Will
Many people assume a will controls all assets after death—but beneficiary designations often override it entirely.
June 2, 2025
What If a Beneficiary Dies Before Receiving an Inheritance?
When a beneficiary dies before receiving their inheritance, estate distribution can become more complicated. Understanding succession rules, will provisions, and probate laws ensures that assets are transferred as intended.
February 27, 2025
Navigating Probate for Out-of-State Properties can be Complex
Managing out-of-state property in probate often requires ancillary probate, which can add complexity and cost. However, using the right strategies to avoid ancillary probate can prevent these issues.
January 29, 2025
Estate Planning When You’re Single
More Americans are entering their later years without people they can automatically turn to for assistance with their health and finances. Here’s how to start.
October 24, 2024
Managing Debt after Death can be a Challenge for Heirs
First, debts in a person’s estate are payable from the decedent’s assets in the course of administering their probate estate or administering their living trust estate.
May 24, 2023
TODs can Derail an Estate Plan if not Coordinated
A primary benefit of using TOD/POD designations is that assets held in the account will pass automatically to the beneficiary without having to go through probate.
April 11, 2023
Avoid Leaving Residual Assets Behind
In simple terms, a residuary estate is any part of your estate that hasn’t been distributed to your heirs through a last will and testament.
January 4, 2023
Steps to Ensure a Smooth Probate
The probate process can be expensive for some estates. Settling an estate through probate can cost you both time and money.
December 7, 2022
Ways to Minimize Your Probate Estate
Estate planning is not just for the wealthy. Anyone with a bank account, house, car or other personal property should have a will.
September 19, 2022
The Risks of Creating Your Own Estate Plan
Even Consumer Reports suggests working with an experienced estate planning attorney to make sure documents are correctly prepared.
September 7, 2022