Remodeling a Home in a Trust with a Home Equity Loan

Remodeling a Home in a Trust with a Home Equity Loan

Homeowners may place their property in a revocable living trust (i.e., a living trust) to avoid probate. Placing property in a trust makes the trust the legal owner of the property, which requires drafting a new deed in the trust’s name. A home equity loan (also known...
Why You May Still Have to Open a Legal Probate Proceeding

Why You May Still Have to Open a Legal Probate Proceeding

Probate is the legal process for recognizing the validity of a person’s will after their death and appointing the nominated decision maker. This person, also known as an executor or personal representative, administers the deceased person’s estate and ensures that...
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...