Gostanian Law Group Legal Blog
What you leave behind when you don’t leave a will
People often think about estate planning in the context of how it can benefit themselves. However, you are not the only person affected by a plan. It can also help beneficiaries, care providers, charitable organizations and future generations. Thus, if you have people...
The importance of reviewing your beneficiary designations
When reviewing your estate plan, you will likely focus on making sure your will or trust’s provisions are current. Yet, you will also want to check the beneficiary designations on any payable on death (POD) bank accounts or life insurance policies you hold. And you...
Be aware of these financial abuse tactics targeting the elderly
People who have cognitive issues or have been isolated from their families can be incredibly vulnerable to abuse – particularly financial abuse. Being aware of how abusers attempt to manipulate or trick a victim into giving them money can be crucial in protecting...
Contesting a family business succession plan
Passing a business along from parents to children takes a great deal of thought. It also takes clear communication, a willingness to listen and accountability. There are many scenarios where the children will not feel they have gotten the best possible deal when it...
Estate planning around family friction
Every family faces challenges and conflicts between members at some point. However, some situations are more volatile and contentious than others. If this sounds like your family, the friction you experience could make it all but impossible to rely on your loved ones...
What are my responsibilities as a trustee?
Trusts can be a valuable element of a person's estate plan. An individual might establish a trust to preserve family wealth, protect assets and avoid the probate process. Considering how vital trusts can be, the person tasked with managing them must take their...
How an old will can create new problems
Wills are critical documents that allow a person to state his or her wishes regarding the distribution of assets upon death. Every adult can benefit from creating a will. That said, it is not always enough to simply create a will; you should also update it...
What is undue influence?
One of the reasons courts may set aside a person’s will is if there is reason to believe the testator was unduly influenced. This can be a difficult legal obstacle to overcome, especially if you are not sure what undue influence is or looks like. Below, we examine...
Why might an individual challenge a conservatorship?
Conservatorships can be critical instruments that allow someone to make decisions on behalf of a vulnerable adult who cannot make them by himself or herself. However, conservatorship disputes can arise for various reasons. And when they do, they have the potential to...
4 factors that could increase the likelihood of probate disputes
People can oversimplify the concept of distributing assets after a person passes away. They might assume a spouse will get everything and expect the will to be clear. People can also put all their faith in an estate executor, assuming he or she will carry out the...
