Conflicts Over Trust Funds?

Despite their popularity as estate plan anchors, revocable living trusts do not guarantee “happily ever after” for families. Though the assets in a trust by-pass the public process of probate, that does not automatically ensure smooth and prompt distribution. Conflicts...

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What Happens When Business Conflicts End Up In Court?

In the world of civil litigation, a trial court verdict is not necessarily the last word. For small business owners and contractors, the conclusion of a trial can spark a "second round" in the appellate courts, especially when the disagreement...

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Estate in Conflict? A Guide to Probate Litigation and Court-Required Bonds

In most families, when a loved one passes away, the goal is to honor their legacy and intentions and ensure a smooth and peaceful transition of assets. Unfortunately, however, sometimes confusion, concerns, conflicts or other challenges can lead to probate...

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Asset Conflicts? Probate Litigation!

Even though we all know we should organize our affairs, put estate plans in place, and communicate our intentions and plans to loved ones, most of us avoid these difficult to-do list items. As a result, conflicts over assets can...

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Let’s Build: Spokane, Flint, Kilgore…

Construction for manufacturing is steadily pushing forward around the country–and not only in areas known for consuming national headlines. Big awards were recently announced in Spokane, Washington, Flint, Michigan and Kilgore, Texas. Catch-up on spending in the manufacturing sector as...

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Bunny Wailer: Estate Conflict?

Before reggae legend Bunny Wailer, aka Neville O'Riley Livingston, died earlier this year at the age of 73, he had made a will and appointed co-executors. In the will, he named each of his thirteen children as beneficiaries. Conflict has...

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Avoiding Conflict When Executing a Will

When you execute the will of a family member or friend, you are likely to find yourself coping with high levels of emotion as well as the legalities of the probate process, as you honor your fiduciary responsibilities. Estate experts...

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No Problems Here…?

When you sponsor a retirement plan for your business, it's unsettling even to imagine theft or fraud eating into the life savings you are responsible for. That's exactly why ERISA requires a fidelity bond covering anyone who handles plan funds...

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Wills and Trusts: Is Appointing Co-Fiduciaries Wise?

When writing a will or setting up a trust, choosing who will carry out your wishes is a critical decision. To avoid hurt feelings among adult children or balance family dynamics with technical expertise, many people default to appointing co-fiduciaries—naming...

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Trusts and the Trustee Role: What You Need to Know Before You Say Yes

A trust is a very effective and versatile tool in estate planning, but the arrangements made via a trust only work as well as the person running it. Whether you're setting up a trust and need to name a trustee,...

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