Our Blog - Surety Matters

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

  With more estate planning techniques and insights becoming more widely available, it’s more possible then ever to look out for your family, though it’s estimated that two out of three Americans still have not…
Read Moreabout Military? Plan for Your Family

  Ordinarily, probate court proceedings focus on standard tasks essential to settling the affairs of someone who has died, such as paying off debts and taxes and then distributing the assets based on a will,…
Read Moreabout Court Battles: Probate Litigation

  This is one of those questions that it’s even hard for Google to answer. Why? It depends! The public process of paying the debts and distributing the assets of the deceased, known as probate,…
Read Moreabout How Long Does Probate Take?

  Although estate planning is important for all families, it is especially critical to plan ahead for beneficiaries with disabilities. Failure to do so can set off an unintended chain of consequences that can be…
Read Moreabout Disabled Beneficiaries?

  By designating assets to non profit organizations, families can use wealth for social good. Estate planners explain charitable trusts, clarifying the difference between charitable remainder and lead trusts.   Charitable Trusts Are Irrevocable Charitable…
Read Moreabout Charitable Trust?

  Of course making proactive decisions about family assets and treasured belongings is challenging, but lawyers encourage as much specificity as possible when making a will. Reliance on “the kids” to work things out “later”…
Read Moreabout Making a Will? Be Specific