Do you think high-value items are most likely to cause conflict between heirs? Maybe you assume people would fight over the family fortune, especially if life-changing money and assets are involved.While people certainly can and do fight over these assets, many warn...
Do you think that undue influence caused a parent to create a will or estate plan that didn't actually go along with what he or she would have wanted? If so, one thing to carefully consider are the medical records for that parent. They can strongly support your...
A personal representative will help get a person's estate through the probate process. This can be long and complicated, and not just anyone is allowed to do it.So, what are the qualifications that need to be met? Who may ask to be a personal representative and assist...
Parents are not always on the same page when it comes to estate planning. This can make things very complicated, especially when deciding what to do with blended families.For instance, one woman noted that she had a daughter with her first husband. She then got...
You know how an incentive trust works: Your heirs are given a set of conditions, which are sometimes viewed as goals. If they reach them, the trust pays out either in part or in full. This is different than many trusts that simply pay out at certain ages, regardless...
It is crucial that all adults have an estate plan so that the loved ones who are left behind know exactly what to do. The estate plan doesn't end with only a will. Of course, the will is the backbone of the estate plan.The will is the document in which you lay out...
When you draw up an estate plan, an experienced attorney will ask you to consider all possible contingencies. This not only helps ensure that your wishes are carried out regardless of what happens to others in your immediate circle, but helps avoid the need for...
Handwritten (holographic) wills are rare these days, but they are still recognized in some states, including North Carolina. Under North Carolina law, a holographic will is valid if:-- It's entirely in the handwriting of the testator (the person whose will it is). --...
Generally, if a will is drawn up by an experienced estate planning attorney, there is little room for family members or others to challenge it after a person's death. However, there are some grounds on which you can potentially challenge a will. Following are a few of...
If you have an estate plan, good for you! Too many people never draw up one. That leaves their families with unnecessary time, money and conflict spent on determining what to do with their assets after they're gone.However, an estate plan is rarely a "one and done"...
