ABC’s of Selling Real Estate Held in Trust
A common estate planning tool, a trust is a fiduciary relationship that is created to manage property or other assets for a third party’s benefit. There are many types of trusts, but [...]
You Won the Lottery! Now, How Do You Protect Your Privacy and Your Cash Prize?
As you begin your holiday shopping, some of you may be purchasing lottery tickets for yourself or your loved ones for a chance to win big. If you or your recipient are [...]
Help! There’s an Estate Tax Lien on My Property. How Can I Have It Removed ?
As the saying goes, nothing is certain in life except death and taxes. And there’s no avoiding taxes, even after death, at least when it comes to real estate—depending on the value [...]
License to Sell Real Estate Explained: What It Is and When It’s Necessary
When someone dies who owns real estate, what happens to the property? And who gets to decide? First of all, it depends on whether the decedent had a will. It also depends [...]
Real Estate Deeds Are Best Signed in Person by the Seller. But What If That’s Not Possible?
Suppose your aging mother has decided to sell her home and move into assisted living. The sale is essential for her to afford her new accommodations. She has a buyer and a [...]
How a Declaration of Homestead Can Protect You and Your Home
As a homeowner, the last thing you want to worry about is the risk of losing the equity in your home if you find yourself facing a judgment in a lawsuit. Here [...]
If You Share Property Ownership, What Happens When One of You Dies?
Chances are, your home is your most valuable asset. So, it’s essential to understand the legal terms of ownership, particularly if property ownership is shared. The manner in which you hold legal [...]
What You Need to Know About Probate—and Why It Matters
Planning how your assets will be distributed after you die can be an uncomfortable undertaking. But ignoring important estate planning decisions can create a headache for your beneficiaries in Probate Court once [...]
Why You Need a Health Care Proxy and Durable Power of Attorney
When most people hear the term “estate planning,” they think about planning for the distribution of their assets after they die. But what if you become incapacitated by illness or an accident, [...]
Why Blended Families Need a Comprehensive Estate Plan
Gone are the days when a nuclear family was the norm in America. Blended families comprised of parents with children from previous relationships are becoming more common. According to some estimates, at [...]
