Grieving and Playing Detective?
Imagine your loved ones digging through papers while in a state of grief? Unfortunately, this is what happens when there is a death in the family before affairs are put in order. For additional incentives…
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Vacation Joy or Inheritance Headache?
If you have had the good fortune of enjoying a vacation home or timeshare, good for you! Don’t be too quick to assume, however, that family or friends want to continue your tradition when you…
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Trust: Consider An Independent Fiduciary
Although estate planning can be complex in any family, lawyers find that large and blended families tend to face extra challenges. More people means there are likely to be more ideas and hopes about…
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Educational Goals and Family Trusts
Achieving educational goals can be life-changing—as is the gift of paid tuition! A trust can be a great way to gift education to family members. Unlike a will, a trust, overseen by a trustee, allows…
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Out of Trust?
Unlike wills, trusts do not pass through the public probate process—and therefore can protect a family’s privacy. Some families, however, end up with public conflicts even when a trust has been established. Take, for example,…
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Probate and Personal Representatives?
Every state has a probate process: legal steps through which property is transferred from the dead to the living. If there is a will, it is admitted to probate court to initiate the process. If…
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Trustee? Ask These Questions First
When a family member or friend asks you to serve as the trustee, it’s an honor, conveying they trust you to look out for the beneficiaries. It is also, of course, a big responsibility. Before…
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Trusts Are Helpful When…
We all need an estate plan. Frequently, a basic last will and testament is a great way to lay out your wishes and leave affairs organized for your loved ones. Sometimes, depending on your intentions…
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Surprise Heir? Scholastic Drama
Dick Robinson, CEO of Scholastic, died, suddenly this summer. Though most of us didn’t know him, we have all most likely touched some of the many mega-successful publications that are part of his legacy….
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