The Perils of Joint Property

The Perils of Joint Property

People often set up bank accounts or real estate so that they own it jointly with a spouse or other family member. The appeal of joint tenancy is that when one owner dies, the other will automatically inherit the property without it having to go through probate. Joint...
Tell Me a Little About Trusts

Tell Me a Little About Trusts

Who are the parties in a trust?   There are only three parties to a trust, and that’s all you need to know: 1)         Trustor: This refers to the person who created the trust and put their assets into it (think “creator”). 2)         Trustee: This is the person whom...
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...
Revocable Trust vs. Irrevocable Trust:  Which Is Best for You?

Revocable Trust vs. Irrevocable Trust: Which Is Best for You?

A properly funded trust allows you to avoid probate, minimize taxes, provides organization, maintains control, and provides for yourself and your heirs. In its most simple terms, a trust is a book of instructions wherein you tell your trusted people what to do, when....