One of the most prevalent misconceptions people have about estate planning is that a will is all a person needs to protect their wishes and their loved ones. However, while having a will is critical to preserving what you value most, parties might also want to...
Will and Trust Contests
What happens if an estate plan is lost or hidden?
Going through the steps of creating an estate plan can be complicated, but once you have your documents in place, you and your loved ones can breathe a sigh of relief. Planning documents preserve your wishes and give critical guidance to family in difficult times....
Planning your legacy around complicated people
Your estate plan should reflect your wishes. However, you must consider how to tailor your plans to fit the needs and capabilities of the people in your life. For instance, even the best-laid plans can be thwarted if complicated relationships or individuals are...
Don’t let creativity in your estate plan create problems
Your estate plan is a valuable tool that should align with your beliefs and reflect your wishes. And as such, a person should be able to design their plan accordingly. However, utilizing creative solutions and taking non-traditional approaches to these matters could...
5 signs probate could be painful after a parent passes away
Losing a parent can be upsetting for children of any age. Even if you only saw your parent on major holidays or had a complicated relationship, a parental loss can take a profound toll in many ways. This toll can be especially notable when it comes to probate and the...
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...
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...
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...