Our Blog - Surety Matters

  You’re not alone. Navigating probate can be challenging. Bonds are often required and the terminology can be baffling. Colonial’s here to help. Our online service makes it easy and speedy for anyone to secure…
Read Moreabout Probate Problems?

  After a will is created, it can be safely filed almost anywhere: with a lawyer, in a safe deposit box, desk drawer…Options depend on the degree to which privacy and security are a concern….
Read Moreabout When Does a Will Become Public Record?

  Among the important decisions we must make when writing a last will and testament is designating a personal representative to handle our affairs when we die. It’s useful to understand the terminology, duties and…
Read Moreabout Personal Representative Explained

Representing clients who may be experiencing a change in capacity presents lawyers with serious challenges and ethical considerations. What can and should a lawyer do when a client’s changing capacity seems to require attention? Legal…
Read Moreabout Diminished Capacity?

  Trusts that hold family assets on behalf of minors, detailing how and when they are distributed, are, of course a sound practice. Estate planning advisors remind us that this same practice can be helpful…
Read Moreabout Adult Children: Trust?

  Try to avoid this mistake lawyers witness repeated in many families: assuming the next generation actually wants and can use the assets being set aside for them—sometimes at great sacrifice.   Reality Check—and Conversation…
Read Moreabout Estate Planning: Do They Really Want It?

Protecting a Grandparent’s Assets? Worried that grandmother is writing too many checks to a cause that seems questionable? Grandad gave his credit card number to who? Actually, what if they have unforeseen medical needs or…
Read Moreabout Protecting a Grandparent’s Assets?

  Solid estate plans often involve both the establishment of a trust and a pour-over will. Both tools work well together to ensure that our affairs are as organized as possible, and curtail some of…
Read Moreabout Trusts and Pour-Over Wills?

Transparency with family members, friends and business partners is key throughout our lives—and holds true when establishing a trust too. Estate planning specialists urge transparency with both the designated trustee and beneficiaries, to avoid both…
Read Moreabout Trusts: Set Everyone Up For Success