When you are potentially going to be the guardian for someone you care about, you may find that it is more complex than you thought just because you’re across state lines. When you cross state lines, rules and laws change. Determining jurisdiction may become a...
During estate planning, two terms that often come up are “heir” and “beneficiary.” Many people think that they are synonyms that can be used interchangeably. However, that is not the case. So, what is the difference between the two? When is it appropriate to use...
Trusts can be excellent tools, but they are only as good as the trustee someone chooses to administer them. A trustee has ultimate control over the assets in a trust and the access other people have to that property. Many people planning a trust spend a lot of time...
It's complicated enough to be an estate executor when everyone lives in the same place. But what if there are heirs in other states? For instance, maybe you and your siblings all grew up in Colorado. You stayed near your parents, and so they named you the estate...
In most cases, people create a final will to provide for their loved ones and help them avoid inheritance disputes. In theory, detailing your wishes in a legal document can go a long way in preventing your heirs from fighting over who gets what after your death. You...
You want your children to have the best life possible, which means supporting them when they are young. In some cases, you may need to continue to support them for the rest of their lives or even after you die. Creating a special needs trust is a popular way to...
Life has its share of uncertainties. Everyone desires to live a long, happy life. However, the tough reality is that death can strike at the least expected time. And while you may not have the power to stop death from coming, but you do have the power to decide what...
Some people mistakenly use the words guardianship and conservatorship interchangeably, as if they are exactly the same thing. The reason for this mistake is simple: These two types of legal situations do address a similar circumstance where an elderly person needs...
When you own multiple pieces of real property, your estate could face numerous complications. You could trigger estate taxes if the total value of those properties is millions of dollars. There could be disputes among your beneficiaries about your last wishes....
Arranging for the transfer of real estate is often one of the most important parts of estate planning. A testator planning for their estate will likely invest significant time and consideration into the best way the transfer ownership of their house to their loved...
