When someone passes away, the individual's will, if there is one, enters probate. The Indiana probate court judge reviews the will to determine who was named in the document as the executor of the estate. An executor serves as the personal representative for the...
estate administration & probate
When a beneficiary is different from the terms of the will
Many individuals name a beneficiary on their life insurance policies and retirement accounts at a different time than when they draw up their will. Because of this, it's not uncommon for a named beneficiary to be different from the terms of the will. This is what...
Does your dog deserve a place in your estate plan?
Few companion animals have a greater impact on the lives of their owners than dogs. Unsurprisingly, according to a recent study, almost 90% of dog owners see their pups as part of their families. More than half report purchasing holiday gifts for their dogs. If you...
Do transfer on death accounts prevent probate?
Executing a will often makes it necessary to go into an Indiana probate court and follow all the necessary legal steps to transfer assets. Probate may come with costs and the potentially lengthy amount of time it can take to complete the process. When writing a will,...
Should you tell your adult children about your estate plan?
When the children of a decedent don't get what they expected when their parent dies, they may fight with other family members and beneficiaries. Children who weren't expecting anything can also have trouble adjusting when they receive a large sum of money from your...
What if I die without a will in Indiana?
If you die without a will, you and your estate become intestate. This means that the laws of your state covering intestacy will control the distribution of your estate. Intestacy laws specify all the possible combinations of living relatives. If you have no will and...
Do all estates have to go through probate?
For those charged with such responsibility, part of losing a family member may include settling their loved one’s final affairs, which includes the probate process. However, smaller estates may not require formal proceedings. Understanding probate for small estates...
When should you update your estate plan?
Dealing with matters of the estate can serve as a headache for anyone. From its creation to its maintenance, you end up dedicating a lot of your time and energy to it. Of course, because of this, you want to limit the amount of time you dedicate to updating your plan....
How can I help my parent preplan his or her funeral?
It is difficult to think about your parent’s death, but when the time comes, it helps to have a plan in place. It will make it easier on you and allow you to grieve without having to make a bunch of decisions. Another good thing about preplanning a funeral is it...
Power of attorney: what is it?
Regardless of your age, estate planning is an important and necessary part of life. Beginning the process early may help ensure your loved ones are always taken care of. Doing it wisely may even lead to reduced estate taxes, avoidance of probate and overall less...