Knowing the lawyer's role is one of the most important steps you need to take before the probate process begins, whether you are the Executor or an heir. One of the biggest sources of conflict in probating the estate is…
Estate planning is most commonly associated with wills, trusts, and passing assets to the next generation. However, there is another part of estate planning that doesn’t get as much attention. It concerns advance health care planning. Have you thought about…
The estate administration process involves managing a deceased person's assets and distributing them to their beneficiaries. This process typically includes identifying and inventorying the decedent’s assets, paying debts and taxes, and distributing any remaining assets to the beneficiaries named in…
It can be difficult to go through a divorce. The process is emotionally and mentally draining. There are many factors to consider that may also change over time. For younger couples, children are likely a top concern. For older couples,…
In elder law, a certified elder law attorney (CELA) represents aging adults and their families in legal matters. Elder law encompasses a wide range of legal matters affecting an older or disabled person. Issues related to guardianship, retirement, health care…
Although probate can be minimized or avoided with thoughtful estate planning, sometimes it is required despite its negative reputation. In reality, most heirs will have to navigate the probate process to some degree after losing a loved one. Understanding what…
Sadly, seniors can be a prime target for financial abuse and fraud. The elderly are often taken advantage of by strangers — and sometimes even their own family members. That’s why it’s important that planning is in place to help…
In planning your estate for your children's and grandchildren's inheritance, protective measures should be taken to prevent assets from disappearing or being seized by creditors. A simple way to achieve inheritance protection is through a trust. A trust can pass…
The tears trickle down Kevin's cheeks as he stands outside Winnie's nursing home room. The medical staff just finished inserting a feeding tube into Winnie – an act Kevin knew she didn’t want. Unfortunately, Winnie couldn’t express her wishes due…
Probate is a standard legal procedure that formalizes how some assets pass from a deceased person to his or her chosen heirs or beneficiaries. Whether or not you require probate depends on the type of property and how you own…