Tag Archives: probate
Should You Have Both a Living Trust and a Will?
Two of the most common estate planning devices are the last will and testament and the living trust. Both documents are meant to ensure that the decedent’s wealth is distributed in accordance with his or her wishes. However, there are differences between the two, and they can in fact work together. The most notable characteristics […]
Problems That Can Come Up During Probate of an Estate
Probate is the court process that controls distribution of the assets owned by an individual who has passed away. Although the probate process is often straightforward, particularly for simple estates, problems can arise for numerous reasons. One type of difficulty in probate cases concerns time and distance. The reality of our modern world is that […]
Key Steps in Creating an Estate Plan
Making out a will and other estate planning documents may seem intimidating. The process reminds us of our own mortality. Good estate plans, however, are not merely about disposing of your property after death but also about protecting you and your property in case of a serious disability. Even if you don’t have significant assets, […]
Using a Pour-Over Will as a Safety Net in Estate Planning
The principal goal of estate planning is making sure that your assets are managed and distributed according to your wishes once you’re deceased. Your last will and testament is one method of issuing directions for the handling of your estate. However, many people choose to create a living trust, which appoints a trustee to carry […]
How Joint Ownership of Property Can Simplify or Avoid Probate
Probate is a judicial process by which property that was owned by a decedent is managed and distributed according to terms of the decedent’s last and will and testament or the state intestacy statute. Probate can be lengthy, expensive and subject to pitfalls. However, some assets may be exempt from probate, including those jointly owned […]
