One of the first concerns many families have after a loved one passes away is: “What happens to the mortgage when the owner dies?” Some worry the bank will immediately foreclose. Others believe the entire loan must be paid off immediately. Fortunately, the reality is often less alarming. What happens Read more
One of the most common questions families ask after the death of a parent is: “What happens to the house now?” The answer depends on how the property was owned and what estate planning, if any, was completed before death. Some homes transfer relatively smoothly. Others require probate proceedings, deed Read more
Don’t Wait Too Long to Start Estate Planning Many people know they should have an estate plan. They intend to get around to it someday. After the holidays. After retirement. After the next vacation. After life slows down. Unfortunately, estate planning is one of those things that often gets postponed Read more
Many people create a revocable living trust believing it will help their family avoid probate after they pass away. Often, that is exactly what happens. However, simply signing a trust agreement does not automatically avoid probate. In fact, one of the most common estate planning issues I encounter is a Read more
When someone passes away owning property in more than one state, their estate may not be handled in just one place. In many cases, a second probate proceeding—known as an ancillary estate—is required. For families, this often comes as a surprise, especially when they believe everything has already been handled Read more
When most people think about trusts, they imagine a static legal document—signed, funded, and then left alone to operate exactly as written. In reality, well-designed trusts often last for many years, sometimes decades. During that time, laws change, family circumstances evolve, and administrative challenges arise. That’s where a trust protector Read more