A few decades ago, someone who had a movie collection may have bought numerous VHS tapes. Someone who was interested in building up a nice music collection may have purchased thousands of dollars worth of records, along with a record player. These collections could be...
Safeguarding your legacy: Minimize the chances of will disputes
When writing a will, you envision a smooth transition of your assets to loved ones after you are gone. However, even with a meticulously drafted will, disputes may still arise among family members. Will disputes can tear families apart, causing deep rifts and...
What if an heir or other beneficiary can’t be located?
These days, it’s typically easy to locate an old high school or college buddy, a neighbor from your childhood or just about anyone you need to reconnect with. If someone really can’t be found, it may be that they don’t want to be. Sometimes, estate executors are...
Overwhelmed estate executors, should you decline to serve?
Say that a parent or other loved one recently passed away, and you found out they named you their estate executor. At first, you felt honored and eager to take on the responsibility. Now, only days later, you feel overwhelmed by the scope of your duties. It is a...
When can a will be contested?
The importance of estate planning cannot be overstated. By drafting a will, trusts and other estate planning documents, you can make provisions for the future of your loved ones after you have gone. Unfortunately, the execution of estate planning documents does not...
Common questions about the probate process in Indiana
If your loved one left a will, it must be verified and implemented according to their wishes. This happens during probate, a court process of administering a person’s estate after death. Few understand how things work in probate, yet it is crucial when passing an...
Have you been named as the executor of a will?
Your loved one may have chosen you as the executor of their will, and you may be uncertain about what the role entails. Given the responsibility on your shoulders, it helps to understand what is expected of you and what you can do to ensure that your loved one’s final...
When inheritances are not equal within a family
Not all estate plans are created the same. The documents are personalized based on the individual’s specific preferences when it comes to asset distribution. Most wills call for equal distribution of the estate among the heirs. However, some plans are anything but...
