5 Questions to Ask Before Investing in a Vacation Home
When the cold winter months settle in to Colorado, it’s easy to start dreaming about a vacation home on the beach. While Florida is the most popular location for vacation…
Powerful Provisions in Your Financial Power of Attorney
One of the foundational estate planning documents is the Power of Attorney. The Power of Attorney is a document for incapacity, designed to help you if you are unable to…
Why a Trust Is the Best Option to Avoid Probate
Ideally, when someone passes away, the paperwork and material concerns associated with the deceased’s passing are so seamlessly handled (thanks to excellent preparation) that they fade into the background, allowing…
Oh Brother, Where Art Thou?
Finding a missing Heir When a person dies, someone must start the court process of probate. The first step is to request appointment as the personal representative or executor of…
Slayer Statutes: Preventing Killers from Profiting from Their Crimes
Most states have laws that prevent someone who has intentionally killed another individual from being able to inherit any property from their victim.[1] In general, these laws are referred to…
What Happens to My Spouse’s Debts at Their Death?
A spouse’s death creates a difficult and demanding time for the surviving partner. As much as you might want space and time alone to process your grief, you may have…
Updating Your Estate Plan: How Many Tweaks Are Too Many?
If your life or the law has changed since you signed your last will and testament (will) or trust agreement, you need to update your document. You can make updates…
Protect Your Child’s Inheritance From Their In-Laws
About 40 to 50 percent of all marriages in the United States end in divorce. Regardless of how you feel about your child’s spouse, you must face the possibility that…
Questions You Should Ask Your Estate Planning Attorney
Creating an estate plan is a personal and often emotional undertaking, making the selection of your estate planning attorney of the utmost importance. Here are some questions you should ask…
What To Do About an Unresponsive Trustee
A trustee has a duty under the law to communicate with beneficiaries and keep them reasonably informed as to the progress of the trust administration. Depending on your state’s law,…