Our Blog - Surety Matters

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…
Read Moreabout Probate and Personal Representatives?

If a loved one or friend has asked you to execute their will, chances are, like most people, you’ve said yes. Now what?  Understanding the Duties of an Executor  Executing a will is a legal…
Read Moreabout Be Prepared: How To Execute a Will

Usually, when someone dies, probate court is notified by a friend or family member, so that the affairs of the deceased can be settled—and assets distributed. What if no one notifies the court to initiate…
Read Moreabout Probate Court: Administering Unsettled Affairs

When an elderly loved one can’t make sound decisions, legal guardianship may be a helpful option. Understand the process of appointing a guardian and the role of the guardian. In An Ideal World It would…
Read Moreabout Legally Appointed Guardians for the Elderly

A trustee must follow the prudent investor rule in managing the assets of a trust. Keep in mind: this is a process-based standard—not a performance-based one. Investing Trust Assets Volatile markets present unique challenges to…
Read Moreabout What’s a Trustee To Do: Facing Volatile Markets

Protecting the Vulnerable: Fiduciary Duties and Bonds Explained When someone cannot make sound decisions for themselves, a court can appoint a fiduciary to do so. Often, courts require fiduciary bonds to protect “the ward.” Safeguarding…
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What happens when an estate or trust plan has been set up to continue the operations of a business beyond the owner’s death—but the business ultimately does not provide value to the beneficiaries? Prioritizing the…
Read Moreabout Duty-Bound to Beneficiaries: Insights for Executors and Trustees

Many people have their first—and sometimes only—experience with the law in a probate court. Here is what to anticipate if you find yourself there—and in need of a probate bond as well. What Is Probate…
Read Moreabout Understanding Probate Court and Probate Bonds

Court-appointed estate guardians accept significant fiduciary responsibilities. Understand the legal commitment. When Is a Guardian of the Estate Necessary? LegalZoom defines guardianship of adults as: A legal mechanism whereby a suitable person makes important decisions…
Read Moreabout Guardian of the Estate: Understanding the Duties