When Should I Hire an Elder Law Attorney? As family members begin to face the many challenges associated with aging, seeking the assistance of an elder law attorney can provide invaluable support. Elder law attorneys specialize in offering legal services tailored specifically to the needs of senior citizens and their families. These professionals help navigate […]
How Often Should You Update Your Estate Plan? Estate planning is crucial for providing peace of mind and ensuring your assets are distributed according to your wishes after you’re gone. It involves creating legal documents like wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and more, to effectively manage and distribute your estate. However, remember that an estate […]
Changing Laws and Legislative Reforms How California’s AB 2016 Impacts Inheritance for Small Estates As of April 1, 2025, California’s Assembly Bill 2016 (AB 2016) has significantly impacted inheritance for small estates. This change brings relief to heirs and beneficiaries by simplifying probate procedures for qualifying estates. What Does AB 2016 Mean for You? Increased […]
Probate Litigation: Resolving Disputes Among Heirs Disputes over a loved one’s estate can be incredibly challenging, often creating tension and emotional distress among family members. These conflicts frequently arise when individuals have differing expectations about inheritances, trust distributions, or the actions of a personal representative. A will that initially appeared straightforward may suddenly face scrutiny, […]
## The Importance of Reviewing Your Estate Plan Estate planning is a crucial part of ensuring your wishes are carried out and your loved ones are protected after you’re gone. While creating an estate plan is important, it’s equally important to regularly review and update it as your life circumstances change. Why Review Your Estate […]
Understanding Fiduciary Duties in Estate Administration Navigating the Complexities of Probate Probate can be a complex and emotionally challenging process for families dealing with the loss of a loved one. It involves settling the deceased person’s (the “decedent”) financial affairs, distributing their assets according to their will or state law, and paying any outstanding debts. […]
Maryland Tax Court Reverses Inheritance Tax on Investment Accounts The Initial Assessment and Subsequent Errors Initially, the Register of Wills used incorrect tax rates to calculate the first assessment on the estate. Subsequently, the second and final assessments were levied against the taxpayer instead of the estate itself. Paying to Avoid Penalties To avoid potential […]
Probate Matters: Understanding the Process and Its Importance Why Probate Exists Probate is a legal process that involves overseeing the distribution of assets after someone passes away. It’s typically overseen by a local court, which ensures the deceased person’s will is valid and their assets are distributed according to their wishes. The Purpose of Probate […]
Mobile Home in Probate: Determining Status When it’s Unclear Probate can be a complex process, especially when dealing with unique assets like mobile homes. One common issue arises when the status of a mobile home in probate is unclear – specifically, whether it’s considered personal property (movable) or real property (fixed to the land). This […]
Can a Verbal Agreement on Personal Property Hold Up in Probate? Understanding Intestacy and Personal Property Distribution When someone passes away without leaving a valid will (known as dying “intestate”), state law determines how their assets, including personal property, are distributed. Intestacy laws vary by state, but generally, the deceased’s spouse and children inherit their […]