Aretha Franklin has been in the news this week. She died last August without a will, and her estate of $80 million dollars has been tied up in probate court. It was announced several days ago that as some of her belongings were being moved...
Probate is a long and costly process that places an unnecessary burden on your loved ones. If you want to avoid probate in Arizona, you’ll need more than just a will in your estate plan. Wills are always subject to probate, and that is why...
Owning multiple properties can be a dream come true. Maybe you bought a vacation home in California and a ski cabin in Colorado, or you own rental properties in Florida. Property ownership can be an exciting venture, especially while you’re enjoying the benefits of your...
Probate is the legal process of validating a will, settling a deceased person's debts, and distributing their assets to heirs or beneficiaries. The court oversees this process to ensure that is properly carried out. Probate can take over a year and involves expensive court fees...
If you have a large estate or die without a will, your estate will go through probate after you pass. This court process can be overwhelming for your loved ones and create conflict regarding distribution. Whether you’re administering a loved one’s estate or getting your...
The death of a loved one is a challenging time. Unfamiliar legal terms, documents, and processes can make this time even more overwhelming. If you've received a notice of probate of will, or have to send them out as the executor, you may be wondering...
Many couples opt for joint bank accounts as a convenient way to manage their finances. When set up correctly, a joint bank account can ensure seamless access for your loved one after you pass away. Because, in most cases, joint bank accounts are not subject...
Did you know that you can designate a beneficiary for most bank accounts? Naming a beneficiary is the easiest way to allow your loved ones to access your accounts and avoid having to deal with the complications of probate court. Here’s why you need a...
When one of your parents passes away, it’s an overwhelming loss. And being named as the executor of their estate while you’re dealing with grief can feel like too much at once. You likely have hundreds of questions running through your mind, adding to your...
One of the top 10 estate planning mistakes that many people make is having an inadequate plan that will necessitate probate court. Why is probate so negative? It devours time and money that is better invested in the inheritance you leave to your beneficiaries. At...