Our Blog - Surety Matters

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…
Read Moreabout Grieving and Playing Detective?

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…
Read Moreabout Vacation Joy or Inheritance Headache?

  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…
Read Moreabout Trust: Consider An Independent Fiduciary

 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…
Read Moreabout Educational Goals and Family Trusts

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,…
Read Moreabout Out of Trust?

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?

Executing a will is a big responsibility. It takes time and patience, and the administrative chores can be an extra challenge for those grieving. When you create a will, be thoughtful in your selection and…
Read Moreabout Can You Execute My Will?

The probate courts appoint personal representatives to settle the affairs of the deceased when there is no will. A personal representative takes control of the assets (aka estate) of the deceased and distributes them to…
Read Moreabout Accountable To Beneficiaries: Personal Representatives

  Taking care of loved ones or friends is a tremendous responsibility. Legal advisors point out that in some circumstances, conservatorships can be the right solution for protecting  the finances and legal affairs of someone…
Read Moreabout Time for a Conservator?