I’m About to Inherit. Do I Need a Lawyer?
Navigating Inheritance Without Legal Hiccups Receiving an inheritance can bring financial support and cherished possessions, but it also involves navigating the complexities of estate administration. If you are a beneficiary about to inherit, you may wonder: do I need a lawyer? The short answer is—it depends. Hiring a lawyer isn’t always mandatory, but there are […]
Why Hire an Estate Planner
With a plethora of digital tools at their disposal, modern consumers are more empowered than ever to take charge of their estate planning. These platforms provide a wealth of resources, offering templates and guidance on will creation, asset distribution, and other estate planning essentials. Despite the abundance of self-management tools, there is still tremendous value […]
Inflation and Probate
As inflation has risen over the last couple of years, consumers have felt how the value of their wealth and income has diminished. For those waiting on an inheritance, this reality has been extremely painful, as they’ve watched the value of their inheritances decline and many feel powerless to do anything about it. When someone […]
Estate Planning in the Digital Era
Estate planning has traditionally been a paper-heavy and cumbersome endeavor. As it has with many activities, technology can streamline the process, increase security, and provide more options for customization. However, the estate planning industry is notoriously slow-moving, so many clients and even law firms are not fully aware of all the ways that technology can […]
Avoiding The Wait For Probate
Probate is the legal process through which a court validates a deceased person’s will, settles their debts, and distributes assets to heirs. The probate process can be long and arduous. In fact, in the United States probate takes an average of 16 months. To avoid the hassle, many people plan their estate to avoid probate as much as possible. Here are some […]
How to Make Sure Your Estate Goes Where You Want it To
Estate planning plays a fundamental role in financial management and asset protection. It’s an area of personal finance that demands our attention, yet, surprisingly, many individuals lack key estate planning documents such as wills or trusts. This oversight can lead to legal complications and emotional hardship for surviving family members and beneficiaries. This article serves […]
Explainer: Will vs. Trust
Embarking on the journey of estate planning can often feel like navigating a complex maze. To make this journey easier, it’s essential to understand two key tools at your disposal: a will and a trust. A will is like as an instruction manual for your legacy. This legal document, formally known as a Last Will […]
The History Of Probate
Probate is a legal process that deals with the transfer of a deceased person’s property to their heirs or beneficiaries. The origins of probate can be traced back to ancient Rome, where the process was known as “testamentum,” meaning “testament” or “will.” The probate process in the United States has its roots in English common law and was […]
Benefits of Working With The Estate Registry
No matter how prepared you or your clients are, managing an estate after a death can be an arduous, time consuming, and expensive process. Executors must track down and organize wills and trust documents, locate accounts, notify creditors, beneficiaries, and agencies all while dealing with the emotional challenges of losing someone close. Even with a […]
Help Executors Avoid These Common Mistakes
The role of executor is a complex and challenging job, with lots of potential pitfalls. While the most important decision, the one to hire a professional to help, has already been made, there is still plenty of room for a client to make mistakes. Not Reviewing the Will Regularly Fundamentally the executor’s role is to […]