Our Blog - Surety Matters

  Essential duties of executors include settling the financial affairs of the deceased and distributing assets to heirs based on the will. Sometimes, this means the executor is expected to sell belongings and real estate,…
Read Moreabout Executing an Estate: What’s Prudent?

  If you have made a will, you have probably also designated an executor to carry out the intentions expressed in it. Good for you—these are tasks many of us just can’t seem to bring…
Read Moreabout Wills, Executors and Documents

Yes, it’s OK to talk about—and it’s even a new norm: planning for the well being of your pet after you die. Though setting aside funds for the future of beloved pets was likely not…
Read Moreabout Pets and Estate Planning?

We all know—at least in theory—the importance of having a will that clearly communicates our intentions for passing along assets (be they few or many) It’s also important to appoint someone to execute the will…
Read Moreabout Assets Passed Outside of Wills?

Testator Intent or Scrivener’s Error? A recent sibling dispute over a will in Texas underscores the importance of testator intent in probate law. An appeals court affirmed a trial court decision to reform a will,…
Read Moreabout Testator Intent or Scrivener’s Error?

Along with the spring showers, there’s been some uncertainty in the air about the required minimum distributions for inherited retirement benefits. Estate law practitioners explain the confusion and offer an update. The Secure Act of…
Read Moreabout IRS Estate Law Updates

Typically when someone dies without a will, an administrator is appointed in probate court to settle the affairs of the deceased. When there is a will, an executor generally performs this role. In either case,…
Read Moreabout Settling Affairs: Get A Bank Account

Probate Explained Probate is not as scary as it can sometimes sound. Understanding the basics will take a weight off your shoulders if you are executing or administering a will. Even getting a probate bond…
Read Moreabout Probate Explained

  Typically when someone dies without a will, an administrator is appointed in probate court to settle the affairs of the deceased. Frequently, probate courts require the administrator to obtain a type of fidelity bond,…
Read Moreabout Court Appointed Administrators Explained