Category Archives: Estate Planning
What is “Probate?”
Most people have heard the word “probate,” but may not be sure what, exactly, a probate is. Probate refers to the court proceedings and processes required by state law to pass a person’s “estate” to those designated to receive it. … Continue reading
The Power of the “Power of Attorney”
A “Power of Attorney” is an important legal document that grants to another person the legal right and ability to act on your behalf. Powers of attorney can be broad or narrow, depending on your needs. A “general” power of … Continue reading
The State of Your Estate!
An “estate”, what’s that? An estate is the sum of a particular person’s assets. This includes legal rights, interests in property, and money, minus all liabilities. The term “estate” is commonly used in reference to what a person owns when … Continue reading
You’re a Trustee. . . good luck with that!
Okay, it might not be quite that bad. But, if you have accepted or inherited the responsibility of “trustee” of a trust, you have very specific responsibilities. By definition, trustees are people “entrusted” with the ownership of assets that they … Continue reading
To Trust or Not to Trust
A Trust is an arrangement in which a Trustee is given legal title to property for the benefit of designated beneficiaries. Trusts can be useful estate planning tools and are increasingly being used even in estates of moderate size. While … Continue reading
Hastings Law 