In the field of estate and will planning, we sometimes see cases in which the heirs or the surviving spouse become embroiled in a battle over the family estate. Not all family members are close, and at times the disputes over the estate administration can become quite...
Estate Administration & Probate
What to expect when probate administration falls to you
Being named the executor of a loved one's estate is a hefty responsibility that shouldn't be taken lightly. If you're responsible for the estate administration of your family member or close friend, there are a few steps you'll need to take in order to fulfill your...
Probate judge denies missing man’s inheritance to ex-girlfriend
In most cases, properly executed estate planning goes smoothly. The court's main duties would be to interpret the will, designate an estate administrator if needed, and ensure the fair distribution of assets to the heirs as outlined in the estate plan. Sometimes,...
Missing and confusing documents can derail your estate planning
Most people realize the importance of planning their estate to provide for their loved ones when they pass on. In an ideal situation, all assets would be distributed fairly without any unforeseen snags, mistakes or anyone being left out. However, there are quite a few...
Singer’s estate teaches importance of estate planning
One month ago, singer Jenni Rivera died in a plane crash in Mexico. After a sudden death like hers, family members may look for an estate plan. Reports indicate that Rivera left a signed letter in which she named her sister as guardian of her two minor children and...
Estate planning for business owners
Conversations about estate planning are often directed towards older Americans-who are nearer retirement. However, it is important for a person of any age to consider estate planning. Advance planning for how one's estate will be managed is especially important if a...
Baby boomers’ estate plans can match their values
For some people, creating an estate plan is not necessarily just about clearly stating where one's assets will go after one's passing. Many baby boomers now aim for their estate plans to reflect their moral values. For instance people who have spent years volunteering...
Will food magnate’s trust land in Florida probate court?
One food magnate's estate has incited intense arguments between his beneficiaries and the estate's trustees. The trustees claim that since most of the assets are in Florida, it makes sense to go through probate court here. The food magnate's grown children claim that...
Eliminate stress and expense by planning to avoid probate
When a person's parent or spouse dies, managing their estate is probably one of the last things on the person's mind. However, once immediate issues are dealt with and initial grief has subsided, this person may realize that the parent or spouse's estate needs to be...
Why not create a unique estate plan?
What do you value most in life? Family? Work? Helping others? Many people choose to put time and money into things they care about. This might mean spending time outdoors with family members on weekends or volunteering at a food shelf during one's free time. How one...
