When choosing an executor to your will, you want someone who is level-headed, available and just -- if not more -- financially savvy than you are. These are just some of the important qualities. Others that stand out are reliability and trustworthiness. You want the...
Estate Planning
When you can no longer trust a trustee …
As the beneficiary of a trust, you are grateful to your loved one who had the foresight to create this important estate-planning tool. As a result, you and other beneficiaries may have access to significant assets for the rest of your lives. That will happen, though,...
Who can legally challenge a will, and when can it be contested?
It’s not a casual endeavor. That is a preliminary point prominently underscored by many commentators addressing challenges to a will during the probate process. “Not everyone can challenge a will,” notes one in-depth analysis of will contests. If the bar for doing so...
5 estate planning tasks to do while you’re healthy
While no one wants to think about his or her mortality or how the family will cope after their death, failing to plan for these events can be disastrous while a person is still alive and create confusion and anger for their family later. Fortunately, making vital...
Undue influence is a big reason to challenge a will
Manipulation and deceit often are key factors behind the undue influence of a person who has created or revised his or her will. And this also marks the moment to challenge a will. Think about what happened when you learned that your father plans to leave a good chunk...
Consequences that surface when someone dies without a will
You would be surprised at the number of people who procrastinate when it comes to estate planning. Then again, maybe you will not be when you learn about the stories of high-profile and affluent people who died without having a will or trust. A long list of...
A few reasons why will provisions become invalid
Provisions within a will represent the foundation of this legal document in estate planning. Among the key provisions include naming an executor; naming guardians for minor children; the disposing of assets to beneficiaries; the revocation of previously created wills;...
Relying on a no-contest clause in settling an estate
You have concerns about your heirs, mainly your children who do not get along. For years, you somehow kept your family united despite the squabbles and disputes between them from childhood through adulthood. At times, those incidents threatened to tear apart your...
How an estate plan addresses valuable collections
The years of professional success and wise investments afforded you many things that a typical family may only dream about having. Among them is an enviable list of high-value property that represents a respectable portion of your estate. The fine art, jewelry and...
