Strategies to Keep Inheritance Out of Probate
Avoiding probate helps heirs receive their inheritance more quickly, privately and with less cost.
March 31, 2026
How Wealth is Distributed in Blended Families
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,…
September 2, 2025
Options when Inheriting a House
Inheriting a house brings emotional weight—and important decisions that can impact your financial future.
August 21, 2025
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
Deeding your House to your Child can Backfire
If a child you’ve added to your deed goes through a divorce, has tax issues, is sued by someone, or must declare bankruptcy, your house could be on the chopping block!
July 3, 2023
Lack of Will can be Devastating for families
Dying intestate can have unintended consequences for pretty much every family type. However, it is especially painful if there are unmarried partners or stepchildren, who are left out under the law in almost every scenario.
June 6, 2023
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