Our Blog - Surety Matters

  Adding transfer-on-death (TOD) and payable-on-death (POD) designations to financial accounts can be a helpful way to ensure beneficiaries efficiently receive assets intended for them. However, to avoid unintended negative consequences, account designations do need…
Read Moreabout Estate Planning: Transfer Designations?

  Deep sorrow is normal following the death of a loved one, and ultimately, nothing we do is likely to change that. We can, however, do the important tasks of leaving our affairs in order…
Read Moreabout Heartbroken?

  The name given to the person charged with settling the affairs of the deceased depends on the circumstances involved. When a will is made, typically an executor is designated to carry it out. When…
Read Moreabout Executor or Administrator?

  Intentions for the family home to be given equally to adult children are common in estate planning. Typically, this ultimately means the home must be sold, so that assets can be divided. Along the…
Read Moreabout Estate Administration and The Family Home?

  Most adults know estate planning is important, but for many of us, it remains a blurry notion for the “someday” list. Here’s help preparing: with clarity on who you will involve, and who you…
Read Moreabout Preparing For Estate Planning

  Confusion and conflict are unfortunate, but sometimes unavoidable upon the death of a loved one. Before pursuing courtroom resolution via probate litigation, consider negotiation or mediation, with the assistance of an experienced probate attorney….
Read Moreabout Alternatives To Probate Litigation?

  While probate is the ordinary public process that settles our affairs when we die, probate litigation refers to legal contests requiring courtroom resolution. Examples of probate litigation include challenges to a will and lawsuits…
Read Moreabout Probate Litigation Explained

  When a trust is created, one or more trustees must be appointed to administer it. Far from being an honorary role, a trustee is obligated to manage the trust in accordance with the terms…
Read Moreabout Trustee Duties: Disclosure and Accountability

  For many people, pets are beloved companions, but in the eyes of the law, cats, dogs, and other feathered, scaly or furry friends, are, in fact, just like jewelry and clothing: personal property. Read…
Read Moreabout Estate Law and Pets?