When a close family member or loved one dies it is normal to go through a period of heightened emotions that may include grief, denial, even anger. At some point, however, the practical aspects of the individual’s death start to surface, including the need to probate the decedent’s estate. If you have reason to believe that you are a beneficiary in the Decedent’s Last Will and Testament, or you otherwise expect to inherit from the decedent’s estate, you may eventually start to wonder how long it … [Read more...] about Free Report: How Long Will It Take to Actually Receive Inheritance?
How Are Debts of the Decedent Handled during Probate?
If you have recently lost a loved one, the last thing you likely want to deal with are calls from creditors. Unfortunately, however, creditors do have a vested interest in finding out what is going on when a borrower or debtor dies because there are specific steps the creditor must take to preserve its claim against the decedent’s estate. If you are handling the probate of the estate, you are likely wondering “How are debts of the decedent handled during probate?” Probate is the legal process … [Read more...] about How Are Debts of the Decedent Handled during Probate?
How Do I Know What My Inheritance Is?
If you recently lost a parent, grandparent, or other close loved one you are undoubtedly going through an emotional and confusing time period. Along with the grief and sadness you may be feeling, you may also be concerned about the practical and legal issues that surround a death. One question you likely have, but are hesitant to ask anyone, is “ How do I know what my inheritance is ? ” Although this is a perfectly reasonable, and understandable, question to ask, most people are worried that … [Read more...] about How Do I Know What My Inheritance Is?
Celebrity Estate Planning Lessons – Dennis Hopper’s Estate
Often, the rich and famous continue to make headlines long after they are gone because of the battles that are frequently waged over the estate they leave behind. Even if you are not interested in celebrity gossip, it often pays to pay attention for the lessons you can learn from their mistakes, or occasionally from the smart estate planning choices they made. For example, consider the estate planning lessons we can learn from the late Dennis Hopper’s estate. Most people remember Hopper from … [Read more...] about Celebrity Estate Planning Lessons – Dennis Hopper’s Estate
Estate Planning for Blended Families
Not all that long ago, divorce, remarriage, and “blended families” were not all that common in the United States. Today, about 50 percent of first marriages end in divorce and four out of every 10 new marriages includes at least one previously married partner. Those second, and subsequent, marriages frequently create “blended families.” In fact, about one out of three marriages in the U.S. creates a stepfamily, resulting in 40 percent of all married couples with children being part of a blended … [Read more...] about Estate Planning for Blended Families
Ten Things You Should Know about Alzheimer ’s Disease
Although the average American is living almost twice as long today as was the case just a century ago thanks to advances in science and medicine, we have yet to figure out how to stop the natural aging process. As a result, living longer often means living longer with physical and/or mental deterioration. Alzheimer’s disease, in particular, has increased dramatically in prevalence in the United States over the last several decades, meaning the odds are extremely high that you, or someone close … [Read more...] about Ten Things You Should Know about Alzheimer ’s Disease
What Happens If Someone Contests Your Father’s Will?
The loss of a loved one, particularly a parent, is often an emotional time period filled with grief and uncertainty. Unfortunately, in the midst of that grief there are practical, legal matters that must be addressed, such as the probate of the decedent’s estate. If you recently lost your father, for example, that likely means that someone has submitted your father’s Last Will and Testament to the appropriate court in order to initiate the probate process. What happens though, if someone … [Read more...] about What Happens If Someone Contests Your Father’s Will?
Missouri Estate Liquidity: Does Yours Have Enough?
Missouri Estate Liquidity: Does Yours Have Enough? from Charlie Amen As a general rule, the key to creating liquidity in your estate plan is to make sure your estate is comprised of sufficient non-probate assets. Non-probate assets can pass directly to a beneficiary following the death of the owner. Learn more about Missouri estate liquidity in this presentation. … [Read more...] about Missouri Estate Liquidity: Does Yours Have Enough?
What Is Medicaid’s “Look-Back” Period?
At some point during your “Golden Years” there is a better than average chance that you and/or your spouse will need long-term care. As a result, there is also a better than average chance that you will need to qualify for Medicaid to help cover the costs of that care. Qualifying for Medicaid can be a complicated process, involving a number of potential obstacles. One of those potential obstacles is Medicaid’s five year “look-back” period. By taking the time to understand the Medicaid … [Read more...] about What Is Medicaid’s “Look-Back” Period?
How Long Will It Take to Actually Receive My Inheritance ?
Although most of us think of the death of a family member or loved one as an emotional event, the reality is that there are a number of practical and legal ramifications of a death as well. Among those is the need to distribute the assets left behind in the decedent’s estate. If you have been notified that you are a beneficiary of an estate, or you believe you are a potential heir of an estate, you may be wondering “ How long will it take to actually receive my inheritance ? ” Like most people, … [Read more...] about How Long Will It Take to Actually Receive My Inheritance ?
