You’ve worked hard and invested wisely to build your wealth. And when the time comes, you’ll be passing that wealth down to your heirs. Naturally, you want to leave the largest legacy possible. But unless you plan ahead, probate fees could consume up to 7%...
When Angela lost her father unexpectedly last year, she had no idea that she would have to go through a lengthy court process before she could claim her inheritance. On top of her grief, she found herself knee-deep in paperwork, attorney meetings, and court dates...
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...
Discovering that you have been named in someone's will can be surprising. Whether you're a close family member or a distant relative, understanding your status as a beneficiary can help you prepare for the future. However, it's not always straightforward to determine whether you've been...
If you have set up a living trust or are considering one, you may need a pour-over will. This failsafe will protect any assets you neglected to add to your living trust. Whether you intentionally left some assets out, or simply forget about them, you...
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...
If you live in Arizona and you’ve been thinking about protecting your financial assets for the future, it’s wise to understand the state’s legal processes concerning wills and trusts. James Phelps is a second generation estate planning attorney at Phelps LaClair, serving Chandler, Mesa, and...
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...