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Archive for the ‘blogs’ Category

Five Most Common DIY Estate Planning Mistakes

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In light of the current pandemic, many Americans are becoming aware of the importance of creating or updating their estate planning documents. With the extension of some states’ stay in place orders, it may be tempting to create your own documents all on your own. Whether you are considering writing your own will or using […]

Four Ways to Protect Your Will From Being Contested By Angry Family Members

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Having an updated last will and testament is more important than ever, especially now. However, a will that is poorly created or not frequently updated can be vulnerable to contestation. What is contestation? It is the formal objection to a will’s (or trust’s) validity because it either: a) doesn’t reflect the wishes of the person who created the will, or b) because the will does not meet legal standards.

Estate Planning in the Midst of the Coronavirus Pandemic

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Unless you’ve been living under a rock for the past week, you’ve probably heard about the Coronavirus (COVID-19) that has created a global pandemic. Well in case you were in fact living under a rock, in the United States, governors have shut down schools, restaurants, salons, and other nonessential businesses in an effort to control […]

What is Probate?

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Probate is the legal process that governs the administration of a deceased person’s estate.  The purpose of the probate process is to: Establish the validity of the will Appoint an executor to administer the estate. Ensure that all interested parties are notified. Govern the settlement of all debts and claims against the estate. Ensure the […]

An Unlikely Threesome: A Spouse, Alzheimer’s, and a Mistress

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In 2014, B. Smith revealed that she had been diagnosed with the early onset of Alzheimer’s Disease. Smith, a former model, restaurateur, celebrity chef, distinguished author, and lifestyle guru, married her current husband and business partner, Dan Gasby in 1992. In 2016, the duo co-authored a book, “Before I Forget”, and shared their journey dealing […]

As an Heir, am I Responsible for Paying the Debts of the Estate?

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Generally, the decedent’s debts are paid from the estate. The estate consists of non-probate and probate assets. Non-probate assets are transferred directly to the named beneficiary upon the grantor’s death. Non-probate assets may include but are not limited to, benefits from life insurance policies, joint accounts, retirement plans, assets in a revocable trust and property […]

How Much Do You Really Know About Your Estate?

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One of the biggest myths regarding estate planning is the fact that many believe that because they don’t live in a mansion, drive a luxury vehicle, or their net worth isn’t seven figures, they don’t have an estate. They mistakenly believe that they don’t have an estate and therefore, don’t need an estate plan.

Estate Planning Myths

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It is often said that one’s failure to plan is his plan to fail, yet the majority of Americans fail to plan for the protection of the people and things they love most. According to the AARP, 60% of American adults don’t have a basic estate plan. Accepting the fact that one day you’re …

Aretha Franklin Died Without an Estate Plan Leaving Her Legacy In Jeopardy

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As fans across the globe mourn her death and prepare to pay their final R-E-S-P-E-C-T to the late Aretha Franklin, creditors and predators are likely preparing to claim their share of her estate worth an estimated 80 million dollars.

Do I Need an Estate Plan?

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Often times it is believed that unless a person has accumulated massive wealth, he doesn’t have an estate and therefore, doesn’t need an estate plan. However, with few exceptions, most American adults have an estate. If you have dependents, own a car, real estate, bank accounts, …