Thoughtful estate planning can help you minimize or avoid probate, but sometimes it becomes necessary even though it carries the stigma of having a bad reputation. In reality, most heirs will have to navigate the probate process to some degree after losing a loved one. Understanding what probate is in conjunction with careful estate planning […]
An Overview of Probate Read More »
Special Education in the U.S.: What Parents Should Know In the U.S., there is about one special education teacher for every 17 students with learning disabilities. Unfortunately, the number of qualified teachers has dropped by 17% in the last decade. Federal and state programs exist to support children with disabilities, but parents must understand these
Special Needs Learning in School and Children’s Rights Read More »
Farm and ranch real estate and related livestock, equipment, and other personal property face unique challenges for succession and estate planning. There is a common misconception that federal estate taxes threaten farm or ranch property, preventing assets from getting to rightful heirs. Over the past twenty years, legislation has managed to ease the estate tax
Farm and Ranch Property Estate Planning Read More »
Without a plan, your estate’s financial future and legacy for your loved ones become the administration of your state’s intestacy laws in the courts. Dying without an estate plan or a basic will creates confusion, work, and heartache for your family at a time when they should be mourning your loss. Aside from not having
Creating and Updating Your Estate Plan Read More »
Understanding the Probate Process Probate is the legal process that formally recognizes a will, appoints or validates a personal representative (executor), and ensures that an estate is properly settled. This includes paying outstanding debts, filing federal and state taxes, and distributing assets to the beneficiaries named in the will. Each state has its own rules
Probate: A General Timeline Read More »