Our Blog - Surety Matters

  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

  Yes, that’s an item for the to-do list when a loved one dies, though it’s not likely to be high on anyone’s radar when the time comes. Sadly, “I didn’t know…” is a frequent…
Read Moreabout Changing the Name on Utility Bills

  Ideally, while we have the ability to do so, making a will, appointing an executor, and communicating plans with loved ones ends up being helpful in more ways then we even imagine. Unfortunately, sometimes…
Read Moreabout Invalid Will? Red Flags