Can I Leave Money to My Pet in My Will?
We think of our pets as members of our family. They bring us so much joy and love; why wouldn’t we? As with any family member, we want to be sure our pets are well cared for while we are alive and after we pass – if we should outlive them. Many pet owners often […]
My Parent Just Died, Who’s Responsible for Their Medical Bills?
There are few things in life that are more devastating than losing your mom or dad. In the aftermath of their passing, you probably have to deal with settling their estate. If they were ill and required hospital or nursing home care or medical treatments, there is likely a hefty bill. So, just who is […]
Checklist: How to be an Executor of a Will
If you are named as an executor – also known as a personal representative – of a Will, you have quite a responsibility. From dealing with the probate process to distributing assets to beneficiaries, the task can be overwhelming. To help give you some guidance, we put together a checklist of how to carry out […]
Commonly Asked Questions About Writing a Will Online
Thanks to technology, we can do more things online these days. From ordering dinner to purchasing a car, e-commerce is at a record high. So, it should be no surprise that more and more people are creating their Will online. You may have some questions about writing an online Will. We’re here to answer them. […]
10 Financial Divorce Considerations
You’ve heard the old saying, “Money is the root of all evil.” Of the issues that couples argue about, money tops the list. And sadly, arguments over money can often lead a couple to divorce. A divorce can have lasting implications, not to mention it is very expensive and stressful. There are ten financial considerations […]
Planning for Incapacity: Documents to Have and Steps to Take
There is no question we are living longer. It’s not unusual these days for people to live well into their 90s – even to 100 – and sometimes beyond. This is great! It allows us more time to enjoy our loved ones. But with aging comes the inevitable health issues that can prevent you from […]
Estate Planning Basics: 7 Step Checklist
Creating an estate plan can be daunting. There is so much to consider: taking stock of your assets, deciding who inherits what, choosing responsible people to carry out your wishes. But it doesn’t have to be complicated. Follow our 7-step checklist of basic estate planning. It will make things a lot smoother. The Estate Planning […]
What Happens After I Die? Your Will and the Probate Process
If you have a Will when you pass away, the Will must be validated so that your final wishes can be legally honored and carried out. The Will must go through a process called probate before your estate is distributed. What is Probate? This is a legal procedure of the probate court reviewing and verifying […]
Your Guide to Probate: All You Need to Know
Unfortunately, most of us will have to go through the probate process at some point in our lives. Whether you are to be the beneficiary of your family’s estate, or if you’re just curious about the process, it is always handy to have an understanding of how the system works just so you can be […]
What Happens to Your Bank Account When You Die?
Have you ever thought about what happens to your bank account when you die? If you are the sole account owner and don’t have a Will, there’s going to be a problem. Sole Account Owner – Access Denied “A bank account in an individual’s name alone will require a court order to access it,” explains […]