Our Blog - Surety Matters

  State laws of intestate succession that typically date back to the 1950s determine the relations who receive our assets if we die with a will. Experts point out that this can create unfortunate disconnects,…
Read Moreabout Modern Families vs Intestate Succession?

  Amidst the housing affordability crisis across the country, thoughtful planning for what becomes of our homes when we die has the potential to generate a spiral of good for our families—and even our wider…
Read Moreabout Aging In Place: Estate Planning

  Many retirees opt to spend their late years in sunny Arizona—even if that means forgoing a local family support network. Recognizing this, Arizona probate courts appoint fiduciaries to serve as personal representatives, or even…
Read Moreabout Public Fiduciary Explained

  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?