
Finding a Missing Heir can be Challenging
Locating missing heirs after the death of their benefactor can require detective work worthy of Sam Spade.

Locating missing heirs after the death of their benefactor can require detective work worthy of Sam Spade.

An irrevocable funeral trust is a way of setting money aside to pay for your funeral and burial expenses.

A primary goal of most married couples when contemplating basic estate planning documents is to ensure that the surviving spouse, and commonly, the couple’s children and grandchildren, are supported financially.

By understanding the features of a life estate and creating one at the right time, you can reap the following benefits….

The family’s attorney and family office advisors should exercise caution in a marriage in which there are children from a prior marriage or other nonstandard family situations.

If you die intestate, this means that you died without a valid will in place.

A life estate is a form of property ownership that splits control and ownership of a property. The person who creates the life estate for their home and assets is known as the life tenant. Though the tenant retains control of the property, they share ownership during their lifetime with the remainderman, a legal term referring to the estate’s heir.

The conditions for amending a trust, including who has the authority, is usually set out in the document.

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.

Different people have different needs, and for most people, starting with basic legal documents, such as a will and power of attorney, are a great place to start and can make a big difference.