How to Minimize the (Voluntary) Federal Estate Tax with Portability
Most people may be surprised to learn that the federal estate tax is considered by some to be voluntary. Estate planning attorneys used to say, “You only pay if you ...
The Deaths of Gene Hackman and His Wife
When investigators entered the home of legendary actor Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Machiko Arakawa, in a gated community outside Santa Fe, New Mexico, on February 26, 2025, they ...
4 Tips to Avoid a Will or Trust Contest
Fighting over provisions in your will or trust can derail your final wishes, rapidly deplete your financial legacy, and tear your loved ones apart. However, with proper planning, you can ...
How to Give Real Property to a Loved One at Your Death Without Probate Court Involvement
A home is often one of the most important assets that people own. Therefore, most people want to stay in their home until they die and then have a loved ...
Will My Revocable Living Trust Avoid Probate? It Depends.
If you have established a revocable living trust (which we will refer to simply as a trust), congratulations! You are on the right track in creating a comprehensive estate plan. ...
Estate Planning Is About Knowing Your Priorities
Thinking about the world and how our loved ones will fare after we pass away can be very difficult. Although we all know that we will pass away at some ...
Wrongful Death And Probate
Wrongful death lawsuits and probate proceedings are both civil legal matters that occur after somebody has died. When the death of a loved one is caused by another individual or ...
DEMYSTIFYING PROBATE AND THE EXECUTOR’S ROLE
When creating a Last Will and Testament (commonly known as a Will), one of your most important considerations is who to choose to serve as the executor (also called a ...
What Is the Difference Between a Probate and Trust Administration Attorney and an Estate Planning Attorney?
Estate planning attorneys and probate and trust administration attorneys play crucial but distinct roles in the legal processes involving legacy planning, asset distribution, and wealth preservation. Estate planning attorneys focus ...
Why You May Still Have to Open a Legal Probate Proceeding
Why You May Still Have to Open a Legal Probate Proceeding Probate is the legal process for recognizing the validity of a person’s will after their death and appointing the nominated ...