Our Blog - Surety Matters

  Big secrets withheld from close family members are difficult during life—and perhaps even more devastating upon death, when loved ones no longer have the hope of making peace with a surprising new reality. However,…
Read Moreabout Family Secrets and Estate Plans

Here’s a reality no one likes to talk about: when a loved one dies, as if working through grief is not enough, there’s a lot of other work to be done. In addition to the…
Read Moreabout Death In The Family? Practical Advice

  No one wants to think about living with Alzheimer’s. Sadly, a growing number of people and their families have no choice but to make big shifts in their lives, as they cope with the…
Read Moreabout Alzheimers? Consider a Trust

In Missouri the Circuit Court’s Probate Division oversees the distribution of assets after a death. If there is a will, assets are distributed accordingly, after debts are paid. If there is no will, Missouri’s intestacy…
Read Moreabout Missouri: Probate and Personal Representatives?

An Illinois probate court is trying to sort out who has the rights to the estate of outsider artist Henry Darger—and has so far found “lots of holes” in the court documents. When Darger, died…
Read Moreabout Lots of Holes: The Estate of Henry Darger

  Executing the will and affairs of a deceased loved one has always been challenging—and cyber crime is making it even more so.  Attention to digital accounts, assets and passwords is increasingly important, as is…
Read Moreabout Insights for Executors: Identity Protection

  Sure, go for it. Establishing a pet trust ensures that your pet is cared for when you are no longer able to do so. Although informal arrangements with friends or family members are well-intended,…
Read Moreabout Pet Trust?

  Even diligent estate planning efforts cannot possibly cover every potential circumstance that could challenge our loved ones down the road. A child could suffer an accident, a lawsuit could threaten savings, a hurricane could…
Read Moreabout Estate Planning: Power of Appointment?

  Iowa is exploring the establishment of two new specialty probate courts. In anticipation of an unprecedented transfer of wealth as the population ages, some experts believe specialty courts can play a critical role in…
Read Moreabout Probate Law: Specialty Courts In Iowa?