Three Reasons to Avoid Probate

Three Reasons to Avoid Probate

When you pass away, your family may need to sign certain documents as part of a probate process in order to claim their inheritance. This can happen if you own property (like a house, car, bank account, investment account, or other asset) in your name only and you...
Questions You Should Ask Your Estate Planning Attorney

Questions You Should Ask Your Estate Planning Attorney

Creating an estate plan is a personal and often emotional undertaking, making the selection of your estate planning attorney of the utmost importance. Here are some questions you should ask your estate planning attorney to determine if they are the right person for...
What’s Probate?  Sounds Scary, and It Can Be.

What’s Probate? Sounds Scary, and It Can Be.

Regardless of whether someone has a will, their family will have to go through probate (but not for assets in a trust … and we’ll get to that ). The purpose of probate is to change ownership of an asset from the name of the deceased to the name of the beneficiary. The...
Informal Probate Can’t Be As Bad As Formal Probate, Right?

Informal Probate Can’t Be As Bad As Formal Probate, Right?

The loss of a loved one comes with many unexpected challenges. Losing a beloved relative or friend can be overwhelming, and the process of handling their affairs in the wake of such a loss only adds to the stress. Many families are eager to tie up loose ends and...