You can avoid probate court if your estate plan is well designed and current. When you pass on, when your spouse passes on or your loved one, parent, et cetera, pass on that is when we look at the questions of: ‘Where is the estate plan? Is it a valid legal enforceable estate plan? Are... [Read More]
Category: Probate
Family Conflict in Estate Planning: A 5 Part Series
When it comes to the administration of an estate, controversy often happens. Often these controversies are the result of family conflicts. Understanding these conflicts BEFORE they happen can help you create the proper estate plan to avoid unnecessary delays, legal battles and of course, bitterness. Sibling Rivalry Part 1 The sources of conflict within a... [Read More]
More Storms of Life
We in North and South Carolina just went through heavy Storms, including heavy rains, over the past several days. Here in Western North Carolina we have been having rain off and on for more than ten (10) days. That was followed by very heavy rain over this past weekend. This rain has led to rivers... [Read More]
Steve Teaches CE Class – “More on Mental Incapacity in Estate Planning”
Steve will teach a Continuing Education Class – “More on Mental Incapacity in Estate Planning” on Wednesday, September 30, 2015 at 8 a.m. at The Biltmore Building to Financial & Insurance Professionals, Accountants, and Elder Care Professionals. We will look at legal options regarding Mental Incapacity and what can be done to provide the least... [Read More]
It Moves by Title
While trying to advise a woman who is the only child and heir of her unmarried father who will not meet with an Estate Attorney, a number of issues have come up. He keeps telling her “I put a note with the item which says you get it. That means it automatically goes to you”.... [Read More]
What We Really Fear in Our Estate Plan
Many clients come into the office concerned more about the delay, costs and publicity of Probate Court, or potential tax issues. But as they start to open up about their real concerns about leaving inheritance, the concerns are about what if they become mentally disabled? What if their spouse remarries – will their assets go... [Read More]
Paul Walker Estate Sues to Collect Automobiles
Paul Walker, the handsome actor and star of the “Fast and Furious” movie series, died in a fiery car crash on November 30, 2013. His demise was national news as soon as it happened. His Estate aka Probate is now suing to recover 17 very expensive cars which were held by the man driving the... [Read More]
Summer Travel and Heathcare Authority
Summer is when many Americans are traveling out-of-state. They are on vacation to new places or to visit with loved ones or family. As we cross state lines one concern is that our Healthcare Power of Attorney a/k/a Healthcare Proxy might not be accepted in another state. For example if you have a Healthcare Power... [Read More]
Wills & Trusts (Part 3)
A Trust or Living Trust, occasionally known as a Family Trust, may avoid Probate when you have your assets titled in the name of that Trust. If your assets are not titled into the name of your Trust, those assets do not avoid Probate. Further, you have wasted one of the main advantages of the... [Read More]
Wills & Trusts (Part 2)
A Will can be an effective Estate Plan. If it is properly written it can properly control your assets, the assets can go to the people that you want the way that you want, and you can have the right people in control of the Will. A Will will push your assets through Probate aka... [Read More]