The person who serves as the administrator of an estate has many different responsibilities. They need to locate and secure the assets of the estate. They have to notify beneficiaries and creditors about probate proceedings. They have to file paperwork with the...
Estate Planning
Here’s what to expect during the probate process
It doesn’t matter if you’re creating an estate plan or preparing for the probate process after a death of a loved one, it’s critical to understand how things will unfold. This allows you to plan accordingly, thus saving time and money along the way. While the probate...
Don’t forget the most important part of your estate plan
What do you need to include in your estate plan? House. Vehicles. Bank accounts. Investment portfolios. Family heirlooms. Artwork. Insurance policies. Yes, these are all good and important, but if you’re a business owner, inventor, writer or musician, you might need...
Can a relative’s lies rob you of your inheritance?
If you have an aging parent, you likely want to encourage him or her to write an estate plan. Doing so gives your mother or father control over what happens to assets after death. If your parent has some wealth, estate planning also ensures that you receive your fair...

How to Keep the Lake Cabin in the Family
With the coming of spring, the family's thoughts often drift to the family cabin "Up North". Remember those sunny days relaxing at the lakeshore at your family cabin? The kids are playing in the sand or splashing in the lake. As the sun sets, you bring out the...

Debbie Reynolds Needed Pre-Marriage Agreements
Debbie Reynolds passed away not long ago at age 84. Confession time. I must admit that as a youngster I always had a crush on Debbie Reynolds. Her movie "Tammy and the Bachelor" in 1957 portrayed her as the beautiful and unspoiled symbol of American womanhood....
Protecting The Estate Over Several Marriages
Multiple marriages frequently bring complexity to estate planning. While some people need a few tries to find true love, just one slip up on a will can cost the heirs of a past marriage the entire estate. This potential for error can be something that many people...
Who Gets To Use The Family Lake Cabin?
Using The Family Cabin Mom and Dad have passed away, leaving the behind the family cabin. Now that summer has finally arrived, the cabin on Round Lake is ready for fishing, waterskiing and canoeing. You and your children have been eagerly awaiting the opportunity to...