Blog Posts in October, 2013

Understanding Holographic Wills

First of all, are these even wills? A handwritten, or holographic will does not come up in probate court very often, but whether or not it will actually count as a will depends on the state where this ...
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What is a Life Estate?

A life estate is one of the various forms through which a person can hold ownership in a piece of property. If a person holds property using a life estate, then that person has the right to possess, ...
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Do You Have What It Takes to Be an Executor?

It can be an honor to have been so trusted by a loved one that you were named their executor. You might even have been surprised by the news. You may also feel trapped or daunted by the decision, ...
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Staggering Inheritances in Estate Planning

According to Reuters, more and more parents are considering staggering their children's inheritances so that they individuals do not get a massive lump sum of money and spend it all at once. One ...
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What Is a Self-Proving Will?

A will that includes a "self-proving affidavit" can streamline the process of proving a will. This affidavit is a sworn statement made by witnesses who watched the will-maker sign their ...
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Three Tactics to Transfer Your Family Business

Estate planning is crucial for the owners of a family business, as failing to prepare could result in the determent of the company. If you have not already drafted an estate plan that discusses the ...
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When a Court Will Choose the Executor for You, Whether Or Not You Have a Will

What Happens when there Is No Will After you pass away, the executor is the one who protects your assets, pays off debts, files taxes, and divides assets according to your will's instructions. ...
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Why College Students Should Have an Estate Plan

In the eyes of the law, college students over the age of 17 are now adults. This means that they need to have their own estate planning documents. The Wall Street Journal reports that once individuals ...
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