Suing on Behalf of the Estate?

When a person passes away, their legal claims and financial interests don’t vanish—they transfer to their estate. Because an estate cannot speak for itself in court, the executor (named in a will) or administrator (appointed by the court), steps in...

Article

What Does a Family Do After an Intestate Death?

Simply put, when a loved dies “intestate,” it means that there is no estate plan—no will, or trust—that formally (and legally) lays out the intentions of the deceased related to their assets. Dying intestate also usually means that no representative,...

Article

Why Do Estate Plans Go Awry? 

Despite the plethora of cautionary tales about estate planning mess-ups, and newsmaking celebrity faux pas, the good news is that many of us manage to make thoughtful plans that are carefully stewarded by loved ones. Estate planning professionals observe that...

Article

Trademark Issues and The Family Business: Estate Planning Advice

When intentions for passing the family legacy and assets on to the next generation include a family business, extra attention is necessary. Based on experience, attorneys caution that it’s typically the things we don’t think of that end up causing...

Article

Personal Representative: Reimbursements for Estate Expenses? 

When you are appointed to serve as a personal representative, you become responsible for bringing the financial affairs of the deceased to closure. This requires settling debts before distributing assets in accordance with a will, or by following the laws...

Article

Estate Plan: Honest Talk With a Real Attorney

While there are any number of estate planning templates and AI powered assistants available online, most people end up finding that actually working with an attorney is a solid return on investment. Why? Though generic information and advice can provide...

Article

Legacy and Ledger: Estate Planning and The Family Business

It’s estimated that there are over 32 million family owned businesses in the United States, and collectively, these businesses annually generate over $7.7 trillion in GDP.  Question - and it’s a big one: how many family owned businesses have solid...

Article

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...

Article

Is the Will Invalid? How Caveat Proceedings and Probate Bonds Protect the Estate

When a loved one passes away, the expectation is that their final wishes will be honored without complication. However, what happens when a family member discovers a version of a will that seems "off"? Or what if someone new suddenly...

Article

Understanding Estate Bonds: A Quick Guide

Managing the estate of a deceased loved one can feel like stepping into a complex puzzle, in part due to the legal protocols and terms. Among the many requirements you might encounter, one that often causes confusion is the estate...

Article