What Is Probate?

With all the recent news about what will happen with estate taxes, the process of probate has come up quite a bit.  Sometimes probate is mentioned in a low-key, matter-of-fact kind of way; at other times it is presented as something scary, and to be avoided at all costs. We know our readers have seen… Read More »

Executors and Agents: Choosing Your Own Replacement

When people think about estate planning they generally think about inheritance, or taxes, or even guardianship—but rarely are the words “executor” or “agent” the first ones that come to mind.  And yet, choosing your executor or your agent is one of the most important decisions you’ll ever make. Your executor is the person who carries… Read More »

Debunking 5 Common Estate Planning Myths

There are five common myths that frustrate all estate planners—particularly because we know that not only are they patently untrue, but also because their continued circulation can be harmful. 1. Estate Planning is only for rich people. This is probably the single most common estate planning myth there is—and it is a myth.   When… Read More »

Guilty Verdict for Brooke Astor’s Son Brings Elder Abuse Issues to the Forefront

The recent verdict by a New York jury finding Anthony Marshall guilty of stealing from his aging mother,  Brooke Astor,  while she suffered from Alzheimer’s disease is a sad reminder that abuse of elders does occur.  Elder abuse is an issue that is all too common in our society, but one that rarely gets much attention…. Read More »

What To Do When Your Kids Don’t Like Your Will

In an ideal world elderly parents and their adult children always get along, and when those parents pass away their children quietly and respectfully follow their wishes regarding the distribution of their estate. Unfortunately, we don’t always live in an ideal world, and inheritance and estate planning can often cause tension between parents and children… Read More »