One of the most common estate planning strategies is the creation of a living trust, designed to help heirs avoid probate court altogether. In theory, a properly funded trust should streamline the inheritance process, bypass court delays, and get money into the hands of beneficiaries quickly. But in reality, that’s not always how it works....
When a loved one passes away, families often expect the legal and financial process to move smoothly. But what happens when a natural disaster strikes? From wildfires and floods to hurricanes and earthquakes, these unexpected events can cause significant delays in the settlement of an estate. If your inheritance is already tied up in probate,...
If you’re waiting on your inheritance, you might be losing more than just time—you could be losing purchasing power. In today’s economic climate, inflation is a very real concern. As the cost of goods and services continues to rise, the value of money decreases. That means the longer you wait to receive your inheritance, the...
Few situations test family bonds like navigating the death of a parent—especially when one sibling is named as the executor or administrator of the estate. In many families, this role brings tension, mistrust, and sometimes outright conflict. If your brother or sister controls the estate, and you’re feeling left in the dark or experiencing long...
Receiving an inheritance often feels like a fresh financial start—but for many heirs, that windfall is accompanied by another reality: outstanding debt. Student loans, credit card balances, medical bills, or personal loans can weigh heavily on people who are otherwise financially responsible. So the big question becomes: should you use your inheritance to pay off...
Inheriting a home or property can feel like a blessing—until you realize it’s also one of the most common causes of delays during the probate process. Real estate adds complexity to any estate, and when multiple heirs are involved, or the property needs to be sold, refinanced, or legally transferred, it can take months or...
America is experiencing the greatest transfer of wealth in history. As Baby Boomers age and pass away, trillions of dollars in assets are expected to shift to their Millennial children and other younger heirs. But while the inheritance wave sounds promising, the reality is that many Millennials are not prepared—emotionally or financially—for what comes next....
Few things are more shocking than discovering you’ve been left out of a will. Whether it’s a child, sibling, or spouse, being disinherited can feel deeply personal and unjust. But disinheritance happens more often than people think, and in many cases, it’s not the end of the road. You can contest a will—but doing so...
It’s a question that more and more families are facing: what happens when a loved one dies without leaving a will? The legal term for this situation is “intestate,” and when someone dies intestate, the distribution of their assets is no longer determined by their personal wishes but instead by state law. For heirs, this...
When most people think of probate, they imagine a simple court process that transfers a deceased person’s assets to their heirs. Unfortunately, the reality is far more complicated—and expensive. The hidden costs of probate can catch families off guard, especially when they’re already dealing with the emotional toll of losing a loved one. From legal...