by Brian Douglas | Apr 2, 2018 | Estate Planning
Despite the fact that retirement accounts can be among the most valuable assets in a person’s estate, they are often overlooked during the estate planning process. Especially if your IRA was initiated by your employer, it may end up a bit “out of sight, out of mind”...
by Brian Douglas | Apr 1, 2018 | Estate Planning, Probate
Following the death of a loved one, the thought of going through probate for that person’s estate can seem daunting. It helps to come prepared before meeting with a probate attorney to help the process go smoothly. Accumulate Important Documents After scheduling the...
by Brian Douglas | Mar 27, 2018 | Estate Planning, Probate
Compared to real estate, bank and brokerage accounts, and insurance policies, family heirlooms do not generally take pride of place in the estate planning conversation. Tangible personal property (things like jewelry, furniture, art, clothing, pets, and household...
by Brian Douglas | Mar 19, 2018 | Estate Planning
A will is usually the first thing people think of when they hear the phrase “estate planning.” While a will is generally the simplest form of estate planning, it does not do what most people think it can. Often, a will drafted with an attorney or using an online or...
by Brian Douglas | Mar 15, 2018 | Estate Planning
When someone is admitted into the hospital for treatment, one of the first questions he or she is asked is “do you have a copy of your advanced directive for health care?” This document is extremely important when it comes to making healthcare decisions for someone....
by Brian Douglas | Mar 6, 2018 | Estate Planning
Harper Lee, author of “To Kill a Mockingbird,” was famously private and careful about how her novel was utilized in public space. When she died in 2016, her long-time attorney moved to have her will sealed. Despite common Alabama probate court practice to record wills...
by Brian Douglas | Mar 5, 2018 | Probate
The time after a parent passes is incredibly emotional. If your parent passed without a will, this period can also be very stressful. Without a will, it is not always clear what your parent would have wanted or how their estate will be handled. Fortunately, Georgia...
by Brian Douglas | Mar 1, 2018 | Estate Planning
In a revocable or irrevocable trust document, one of the most important appointments involves the trustee. The trustee is the person that the grantor or settlor wishes to handle all matters involving his or her trust, including assets and debts. The trustee is also...
