Question: I don’t have a lot of money. Do I have an estate? Answer: Yes. Contrary to popular belief, you don’t have to be a millionaire to have an estate. When many people think of an estate, they picture a mansion on acres of land with lush gardens, stables, staff and everything else the ultra-wealthy…
Details
Question: What is an estate plan? Do I need an estate plan? Answer: When you know what an estate is, then it’s easy to understand estate planning. (If you’re unsure what an estate is, read my post about estates.) For the most part, estate planning is literally the planning for the transfer of one’s estate…
Details
Question: I don’t have a Will but I want my spouse and kids to inherit everything. If my spouse and kids will inherit everything anyway, what’s the point of making a Will? Answer: That’s a good question. In certain circumstances, a person’s spouse and kids will inherit everything. However, that may or may not apply…
Details
Did Tammy Wynette Want To Disinherit Her Children? Virginia Wynette Pugh, who later became known as Tammy Wynette, was born in Mississippi on May 5, 1942 to a family of cotton farmers. Tammy’s father died when Tammy was just an infant. As Tammy grew up, she taught herself to play a variety of musical instruments…
Details
Most parents want to treat their children fairly in their estate planning, and many assume this means that their children should have an equal inheritance. But fair does not necessarily mean equal. In some families, there may be special circumstances to consider. For example, parents may want to provide more to a child who struggles…
Details
Question: Is DIY estate planning a good idea? If you think performing your own surgery or doing your own dental work is a good idea, then maybe it is. Most educated consumers realize it’s not. With the number of online and do it yourself (DIY) document preparers continuing to grow, some people may be wondering…
Details
Planning ahead for your family when you don’t have children is a little bit different than when there are children involved. When you don’t have to worry about paying college tuition and other financial obligations parents often have to think about, you can consider different techniques that may not have been financially feasible if you…
Details
An estate plan for Cinderella’s parents? Sounds weird, doesn’t it? Read this blog to find out more about the princess and estates. – I saw Cinderella for the first time with my daughter recently, and though I (and likely you) were familiar with the outline of the story, we often forget the backstory. It starts…
Details
There are many myths about wills, trust and other legal documents, and what is appropriate for a particular family. Below are some of the most common myths and facts about estate planning: MYTH: I am young and don’t have a lot of money, so I don’t need a will. Wills are only for older and…
Details
When you look at your life, you probably have multiple sources of pride: a beautiful family, a successful career or business, and an inviting home. Whatever it is that makes you proud, protecting it is vital to ensure its future success. Your home and business probably have insurance, but what can you do to protect…
Details
By Abigail Neal, Arizona Wills Lawyer Question: Is a handwritten Will valid? Answer: Possibly. Under Arizona law, some Wills may be valid if they are handwritten. See A.R.S. § 14-2503. A handwritten Will is also called a “holographic” Will. A holographic Will is valid under the following circumstances: 1. The material provisions must be in…
Details
Estate planning is a complicated area of law. As a result, there are many myths about the law that can be harmful to you and your loved ones. Here are some common estate planning myths and facts: Myth: Probate is not required if I have a Will and my assets can be transferred immediately under…
Details