It is not unusual for some family member to be shocked when the Last Will and Testament of a recently deceased person reveals that they have been disinherited. The following is an example of a situation that frequently occurs: John Smith is an 87 year old widower, with four adult children – James, Robyn, Phillip […]

What Does Probate Mean? “Probate” is the term given to the process by which a will is dealt with in a court of law. During the time a will is in probate, an individual is named as the executor of the estate. This means that they are tasked with the responsibility to administer the estate

  Going through your family member’s items after they pass can be an emotional task, especially while you are in the midst of grieving. You are likely now having to move your loved one’s belongings out of their home and into the hands of chosen beneficiaries. However, you may not be sure what to do

It is beneficial to create a will in order to preserve your final wishes and ensure your beneficiaries receive the assets you assign them. However, some choose to forego a will, which may be difficult for their family members to understand. In many ways, a will or trust can be useful for family members of

When a loved one passes away, the grieving process can take a serious emotional toll. In many cases, there will be a lot to sort out when it comes to the obligations associated with disbursing the property of a loved one. In the absence of an estate plan, it can be an overwhelming process to

Providing Proper Documentation A will is the most basic tool in estate planning; it can be used for both smaller and larger estates. A will designates who gets which asset from an estate when you die. It can also be useful for younger couples to designate guardians if they have children. Despite your age or

A trust is a legal entity that allows a person’s assets to be held safely on behalf of that person’s beneficiaries. Trusts are increasingly being used in estate planning because they help to control and protect a person’s wealth, and they can avoid probate and associated fees and taxes. There are numerous types of trusts,

The wonderful thing about having a Trust is the avoidance of having to file for Probate within the Court system, as an estate planning or wills attorney Arlington TX trusts can attest. However, this does not deviate from the legal responsibilities of notifying all beneficiaries and communicating with them regarding assets. Dealing with beneficiaries can

  If a person dies with a valid Last Will and Testament, the deceased person is said to have died “testate,” and the distribution of assets will be governed by the terms of the Will. The only way a Will becomes valid is by proving it in court by having a judge declare it a