Estate planning may start with asset distribution, but that is certainly not the only thing that it does. You can also use your estate plan to address your future health needs. One way to do this is with a healthcare directive, but you may find yourself wondering why...
You’re searching for a new home and the ideal property has come up. You’d like to put an offer in but there are a few question marks. When looking around the house, you’ve noticed cracks in the walls. Could these be serious and is it a sign that you should walk away...
Probate is the court-controlled process of validating a will and administering the testator’s estate before apportioning each heir their portion. Usually, the beneficiaries must wait until the entire probate process concludes to get legal ownership of their...
Your family home has served you well, but it’s time for an upgrade. You’ve worked hard to decorate the place and ensure that it’s suitable for prospective buyers. You want the sale to go through as quickly as possible, but you also need a fair price. Sadly, some real...
When a loved one dies, someone has to take on the responsibility of handling their estate. This role is known as the executor. It can be daunting, but it's important to understand what it means to be an executor and your responsibilities. The attributes of a good...
People often discover as they’re discussing their estate plan with loved ones that no one wants to inherit their home. Therefore, they often designate that the home be sold and the proceeds returned to their estate for distribution to their beneficiaries. If you’re...
Most everyone understands the purpose of a will and why it is critical to have one. The more airtight the document, the better it protects your assets and family. However, many do not know what is necessary to create a valid and aboveboard will. When creating or...
Wills are the most popular estate planning tools. It could be due to their simplistic nature or because many people are familiar with them. Trusts, on the other hand, are shrouded in mystery. There are numerous misconceptions about how they work, and it’s no wonder...
Creating an estate plan is a responsible step to take to plan for your loved ones’ futures. However, you may not realize that once you create an estate plan, it’s not a “one and done” situation. It requires regular reviews and updates to keep it current and accurate....
Most Americans dream of owning a home. In reality, however, a greater number of Americans live in rentals. Landlord-tenant laws govern how landlords relate with their clients (tenants) during the tenancy period. From non-rent payment to property damage, illegal use of...
