Who is entitled to a copy of a will?
During the process of distributing an estate's assets according to the will, it is not uncommon for interested parties to request to view copies of the will. Whether or not a party requesting an oppor...
Estate Planning
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What is a legacy trust?
Sometimes known as a wealth trust, a legacy trust is an irrevocable trust that lets you set aside assets for future generations. The legacy trust is a flexible asset protection and saving option that ...
Trustee Guidance: How to Distribute Trust Assets
One of the most important functions of the trustee is distributing the trust assets according to the wishes of the creator of the trust (trustor) as set forth in the trust agreement. With proper plan...
What instructions should I leave behind for my children’s guardian in the event of my death?
Determining a guardian for your children can be a difficult decision. Your children's guardian will have the authority to make or influence all parental decisions for your children including where the...
Step-by-Step Guide to the Probate Process
Probate is the legal process through which the court oversees the estate of a deceased person to make sure the debts are paid and the estate is properly distributed to the heirs. Many people think tha...
Inheritance Money: Using a Spendthrift Trust to Control Spending by Heirs
If you are worried that your child, grandchild or other beneficiary may be reckless with an inheritance'spending it down within a few months or years after receiving it'there are ways to provide for y...
Does marriage affect my will?
Marriage is a life-altering event that dictates the need to make some changes, among the most important, you and your new spouse should create new Wills. ...
What is a protective trust?
The term 'protective trust' is something of an umbrella term in the U.S., covering trusts that protect a person's estate and/or assets. A protective trust refers to a trust that is designed to make su...
What is elder law?
Elder law is an area of law that focuses on the legal needs of the elderly. These needs generally include retirement planning, life insurance, medical costs, and estate planning. Consult an elder law ...
How to Write a Power of Attorney
A power of attorney is a legal document granting a trusted individual the right and responsibility of caring for the assets and overall well-being of another person when they become incapacitated. Whi...
What is a secret trust?
A secret trust is a trust that is not included in the terms of a will. There are two types of secret trust'fully secret trusts, which are not mentioned in the will, and semi-secret or half-secret trus...
PostBreach of Fiduciary Duty by the Trustee in 2026 (Laws Explained)
A breach of fiduciary duty occurs when a trustee does not act with loyalty or care in their dealings with the trust and the beneficiaries. Read on for more information about breach of fiduciary duty b...
When do I need to update my will, and how do I do it?
Any time you or your any family members experience a major life change, you should consider updating your will. A “major life change” can include......
Who gets my property if there is no will?
When there is no will, the probate court appoints an administrator or executor (also called personal representative) to inventory assets, pay bills, and generally manage the estate....
Can I handle probate without a lawyer?
Keep in mind that you have several options for using a probate lawyer. You don't necessarily have to turn the whole process over to an attorney. It may be enough to consult, get advice, or have an att...
Dividing Your Assets in a Will
Dividing your assets in your will, such as your home, car, furniture, bank accounts, stock, insurance policies, will minimize family meltdowns over distributions, especially if you are precise in your...
How To Avoid or Reduce Estate Taxes
Estate taxes do not, by and large, affect the vast majority of Americans, but to those who plan to leave millions upon their death, it pays in spades to understand recent changes to federal estate tax...
What is an incentive trust?
An incentive trust is meant to encourage or discourage the behavior of a beneficiary. For example, in the case of a rebelious child, a parent may use an incentive trust to encourage them to enter coll...
What is a discretionary trust?
A discretionary trust gives a trustee discretion, with some specified limitations. Discretionary trusts can be special needs trusts, help avoid creditors, or provide for a minor beneficiary....
Disclaiming Inheritances
When someone'disclaims' an inheritance, they refuse to accept all or part of it, whether it is money, real or personal property....
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