Individuals with valuable property may not leave those assets directly to specific beneficiaries. Doing so could create an imbalanced and unfair estate plan. Instead, they may order the liquidation of real property or business holdings while extending the right of...
Grief doesn't pause for paperwork, and it certainly doesn't prepare you for the confusion that sets in when a trustee won't return your calls, refuses to answer your questions or avoids handing over any kind of financial records. If you're a beneficiary of a trust,...
Most people who have wills and other estate planning documents disclose their wishes to their family members. Occasionally, people expecting to inherit from an estate may feel shocked about the terms included in a will. The decedent may have made sudden changes in the...
Fiduciary duties are legal obligations that arise when one person is trusted to act on behalf of another. In the context of estates, certain individuals hold this responsibility and are expected to act with honesty, care and loyalty. When a fiduciary breaches these...
Generational trusts are often referred to as dynasty trusts. These financial resources are often created to preserve wealth for decades, providing benefits to children, grandchildren and beyond. These long-term arrangements are designed to offer financial stability,...
Trustee misconduct occurs when a trustee fails to follow the rules of the trust or acts in a way that harms the beneficiaries. A trustee has a legal duty to manage the trust fairly, honestly and in the best interests of the beneficiaries. When beneficiaries believe...
Whether you’re a beneficiary or even a concerned family member, when something feels off about how a trust is being managed, it can be hard to know exactly where to turn. Trust disputes can quickly become some of the most painful legal battles a family can face....
Adult siblings may find themselves embroiled in disputes after their parents die. In some cases, one sibling may accuse another of inappropriately influencing a parent, possibly by misusing a caregiving position for personal benefit. In scenarios where one party has...
The loss of a loved one is a difficult time for any individual. When the person who passed away has an estate plan, that plan should be followed as written. There are times when people who have an interest in the estate may question the terms. In some cases, the...
When you create a will, you likely expect that it will be followed precisely without question. While that’s what happens in most cases, there are times when one or more parties may challenge the will. One of the most important things for you to remember as you create...