blog & insights

5 Tragic Mistakes People Make When Leaving Assets to Their Pets

Posted in

A pet trust is an excellent way to make sure your beloved pet will receive proper care after you pass on. The problem, of course, is that you won’t actually be there to see that your wishes are carried out. It’s critical to set up a pet trust correctly to ensure there are no loopholes…

Read More

Nosey Neighbor Nellie Can Find Out About Your Probate. Really.

Posted in

Most people think of probate as a private process. However, since wills are filed at the courthouse, probated estates become a matter of public record. That means your nosey neighbor Nellie can simply go down to the courthouse or hop online and find out about your probate. Really. It’s Not Just Nellie That Has Access……

Read More

HELP! This Probate Is Taking Forever!

Posted in

After a loved one dies, his or her estate must be settled. While most people want the settlement process to be done ASAP, probate can take between 18 and 24 months. Yes, you heard that right. The time delays create unnecessary stress. 5 Reasons Probate Takes So Long There are many reasons why probating a…

Read More

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

Posted in ,

Trusts allow you to avoid probate, minimize taxes, provide organization, maintain control, and provide for yourself and your heirs. In its most simple terms, a trust is a book of instructions wherein you tell your people what to do, when. While there are many types of trusts, the major distinction between trusts is whether they…

Read More

Why a Trust Is the Best Option for Avoiding Probate

Posted in ,

As Ambrose Bierce once darkly observed, “Death is not the end. There remains the litigation over the estate.” Obviously, ideally, when someone passes away, the paperwork and material concerns associated with the estate are so flawlessly handled (thanks to excellent preparation) that they fade into the background, allowing the family to grieve and remember in…

Read More