Over two-thirds of U.S. adults have no Last Will and Testament or Estate Plan, according to a recent Caring.com study. Dying without a Will (and without an Estate Plan that uses a Living Trust as a Will substitute to avoid … [Read more...]
Print This PageYes, Probate Really Is That Bad!
August 6, 2024 by
When Sheila’s mother died with only a Last Will and Testament (Will) in place, she couldn’t fathom that she would still be knee-deep in probate a year later without an end in sight. Sheila often tells her friends and anyone who … [Read more...]
Print This PageMy Mom Had a Will, But It Was Useless
March 10, 2023 by
Q. I always had a good relationship with my mother. We would have lots of open conversations and talk about almost everything! If she ever got sick or traveled overseas, she would remind me that she had a will, and I of course … [Read more...]
Print This PageOur Top 10 Spookiest Articles of 2022
October 25, 2022 by
2022 has been a bit of a frightening year, but not nearly as scary as recent years past! Since Halloween is in less than a week, it’s an ideal time to catch up on some of the scariest elder law, estate planning, and special needs … [Read more...]
Print This PageThe Nightmare of Probate: Prince’s Estate Took Six Years to Settle
August 16, 2022 by
In 2016, the legendary musician and actor Prince died of a fentanyl overdose. He left behind an incredible legacy, significant assets, many relatives, and, unfortunately, no will and no trust. It took six years and tens of … [Read more...]
Print This PageHow to Avoid Unnecessary Pain and Expense When a Loved One Dies
June 4, 2021 by
Q. I recently read in a Virginia publication about a man who was grieving the loss of his mother, who died during the Coronavirus pandemic, while experiencing what he referred to as the “awful business of settling the estate.” He … [Read more...]
Print This PageCritter Corner: Can You Inherit Debt from your Parents?
September 4, 2020 by
Dear Oakley,My mother recently told me that she charges everything and has lots of credit card debt and other debt. I’m an only child and she is widowed. If something happens to her, would I inherit her debt? Also, she lives … [Read more...]
Print This PageCritter Corner: Is a Last Will and Testament Enough?
February 8, 2019 by
Dear Angel, My sister wants to save money on estate planning. She is considering Do it Yourself (DIY) forms that she saw online, or if she does go to an attorney, she said that a Will should be enough. Is that true? Thanks for … [Read more...]
Print This PageWhat Happens if You Die Without a Will in Virginia, Maryland, or Washington, D.C.?
April 20, 2018 by
Q. I am retired and recently moved to the DC area to be closer to my daughter, her husband, and my three grandchildren. I have lived a pretty simple life, and don't have a lot. Although I am now in my early 70’s, I have never done … [Read more...]
Print This PageCritter Corner: Why Are There So Many Problems With Prince’s Will Two Years After his Death?
April 20, 2018 by
Dear Magic,I read somewhere that Prince died two years ago, but his heirs have yet to inherit any of his 200 million dollar fortune. How can this be?Noah Money-Forthem----Dear Noah,It's true that it's been two … [Read more...]
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