Justin, when you designate that an annuity or an IRA is to pay at death to a specific person rather than to a trust, is probate required? – Dana Dana, Thanks for the question. There are four main ways to keep a financial account out of probate court. You can: 1) grant full or partial […]
How Can I Avoid Probate Court? Read More »
When Rose’s husband died three years ago, she decided it was finally time to get her affairs in order. She wanted to keep things simple, so her plan was to deed her home and farm to her four children. She knew she wanted to keep her family out of probate court when she died, and
The Dangers of a Simple Deed Read More »
Do you remember the Y2K “disaster” of twenty years ago? Tension was so high that TIME magazine ran a cover asking whether this was “The end of the world!?!” with bylines including “Y2K insanity!” and “Will computers melt down? Will society?” In what was described by TIME magazine as a “ludicrously shortsighted shortcut,” computer programmers
Don’t Be Shortsighted Read More »
I recently read an article arguing that “Average Arm Quarterbacks” in the NFL were more valuable to their teams than “Big Arm Quarterbacks.” The article first divided a group of well-known quarterbacks into their respective categories (admittedly a subjective task). It placed guys like Matthew Stafford, Cam Newton, and Joe Flacco in the “Big Arm”
When “Going Long” Isn’t The Best Plan Read More »
Justin, My mother created a trust the year before she died. While working to wrap up her affairs, I ran across some stock. When I called the company to have the stock changed to the kids’ names, the company wrote back saying I needed to send them “Letters of Administration.” Can you help with that?
What Are Letters of Administration? Read More »
Justin, What is probate and why does everybody say I should be so concerned about it?
Justin, My financial advisor has talked to me about the importance of keeping my accounts out of probate court. He said I can accomplish that using death beneficiary forms his company provides. Are there any details I should know about before going with that plan?
How Do Death Beneficiary Forms Work? Read More »
Justin, I read your column every week, and I feel like I’ve learned so much. Thank you! You keep saying that your law firm practices Elder Law. What exactly is Elder Law?
What Exactly Is Elder Law? Read More »
Justin, I want to get my affairs in order, but I’m not sure where to start. I did a will many years ago, but it’s outdated now. I considered deeding my home to my children to keep it out of probate, but my accountant advised against it. It seems like there is a lot to think about, but I don’t know all the right questions to ask much less all the answers. Can you point me in the right direction?
Can You Give Me Some Direction? Read More »
Justin, I have already listed my wife as the death beneficiary on my IRA, but my financial advisor says I also need to consider adding a contingent beneficiary. What do you think?
How Do I Protect My IRA? Read More »
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