One of the many reasons why people choose to create an estate plan is to ensure that their wishes are honored after they are gone. Part of your estate plan, therefore, should focus on avoiding probate litigation. Unfortunately, however, there is no sure-fire way to prevent an estate from becoming embroiled in a Will contest. Moreover, in the 21st Century, even your social media posts could impact … [Read more...] about How Social Media Posts Might Impact a Will Contest
Can I Prevent Someone from Contesting My Will?
"Can I Prevent Someone from Contesting My Will?" by Attorney Alexander Pagnotta (Audio) For most people, a primary motivation for creating a Last Will and Testament is to ensure that their estate assets are distributed according to their wishes after they are gone. If that Will is invalidated, however, the State of Maryland ultimately decides what happens to your assets. Knowing that it seems … [Read more...] about Can I Prevent Someone from Contesting My Will?
Can I Use a DIY Will?
For most people, a Last Will and Testament serves as the foundation of their estate plan. If you do not yet have at least a basic Will in place, there is no time like the present to execute one. When you do decide to create your Will, you may wonder if you need an estate planning attorney to assist you, or if you can create one on your own. A Bowie estate planning attorney at Sinclair Prosser … [Read more...] about Can I Use a DIY Will?
Dangers of Do-It-Yourself Estate Plans and Updates
"What Do You Miss Out on With a DIY Will?" by Attorney Alex Pagnotta (Audio) If you make a Do-It-Yourself (DIY) estate plan, you miss out on many important things including: Legal advice on whether your estate plan is valid or not. State laws can differ so you need to make certain you follow Maryland rules. Buying a DIY will kit online or otherwise trying to make a DIY estate plan is not … [Read more...] about Dangers of Do-It-Yourself Estate Plans and Updates
Aretha Franklin Died Without a Will: What Does this Mean for Her Family?
Aretha Franklin Died Without a Will: What Does this Mean for Her Family? Aretha Franklin was known as the “Queen of Soul.” She was a singer, songwriter, civil rights activist, and so much more. Aretha was a great recording artist, with a career spanning many decades. She received honorary degrees from many prestigious universities, like NYU, Princeton, and Yale. Aretha died on August 16, 2018, at … [Read more...] about Aretha Franklin Died Without a Will: What Does this Mean for Her Family?
Designating a Guardian for Minor Children
Guardian for Minor Children by Attorney Colleen Sinclair Prosser An important part of a comprehensive estate plan is the designation of a guardian for minor children in each parent’s Last Will and Testament. Without such a designation, a court will decide who will care for your children in case of your death or incapacity. When meeting with an attorney to create your estate plan, you will … [Read more...] about Designating a Guardian for Minor Children
When a Will Isn’t Enough
"When a Will Isn't Enough" by Attorney Jon J. Gasior (Audio) Estate planning attorneys help you to prepare a legally valid last will and testament. When most people think of estate planning, a last will and testament is the first thing that comes to mind. A will can be an effective and powerful tool that gives you control over who inherits your money and property, but unfortunately creating a … [Read more...] about When a Will Isn’t Enough
3 Reasons Why Creating a Will Isn’t Enough
When you think of making an estate plan, you probably think of creating a will. While many people do no estate planning at all, a substantial number of people who do make a plan will only make a will and not go any further in the planning process. Unfortunately, for many people, a will is just the start of the documents you need to provide full protection for yourself and your loved ones. You … [Read more...] about 3 Reasons Why Creating a Will Isn’t Enough
3 Reasons Why Creating a Will Isn’t Enough (Audio)
"3 Reasons Why Creating a Will Isn't Enough" by Attorney Jon J. Gasior … [Read more...] about 3 Reasons Why Creating a Will Isn’t Enough (Audio)
Considerations When Choosing the Executor of a Will (Audio)
"Choosing the Executor of a Will" by Attorney Nicole Livingston … [Read more...] about Considerations When Choosing the Executor of a Will (Audio)