After the 2018 passing of the legendary singer Aretha Franklin, her family and lawyer initially thought she had died without a will. But earlier this year, three handwritten wills — two from 2010 that were locked in a cabinet and one from 2014 that was hidden under a couch cushion — were found in Franklin’s […]
Believe it or not, in the U.S. it isn’t easy to disinherit your spouse. But the same is not true for other family members — generally, you can use your estate plan to disinherit your brothers and sisters, your nieces and nephews, or even your very own children and grandchildren. However, in the majority of […]
After a loved one dies, his or her estate must be settled. While most people want the settlement process to be done ASAP, probate can take what seems like forever — between 6 and 12 months, believe it or not. The time delays create unnecessary stress. Six Reasons Probate Takes So Long There are many […]
Planning ahead has obvious benefits. Whether you’re planning a vacation or researching for a job interview, it’s always smart to outline your priorities and anticipate potential challenges that may arise. Planning your estate has similar benefits. With plans clearly established, your wealth and assets are protected should you pass away or become incapacitated. It’s important […]
