Estate administration is far from the boring process many people imagine. Personal representatives often have to address a variety of surprising circumstances, such as the discovery of unexpected assets or debts. Other times, they may have to navigate conflict related...
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...
It is certainly true that valuable assets can lead to estate disputes, and that’s often where people focus. For instance, someone may be leaving $1 million to their adult children, and they’re worried that the children are going to fight over what percentage of 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....
When a person passes away, their estate has to be taken care of. This is known as the administration process and involves the distribution of assets. The decedent’s wishes and applicable laws must remain the focus. The creator of the estate plan determines who will...
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...
A person who’s creating an estate plan will name an executor who will oversee the estate once the creator passes away. This individual is responsible for making sure the decedent’s wishes are followed, but they must also follow the applicable laws related to the...