Can a Lawyer Help with a Business Plan?

Starting a business seems simple enough…you have an idea, create a name, consider sources for funding, start writing a business plan…and then what? Suddenly you realize that there are many decisions involved, and each one of them could make or break your success.   Decisions to consider when making a business plan:   Type of

How Do You Know if Probate is Necessary?

When a loved one passes away, the nominated personal representative must distribute the decedent’s property according to the terms of the decedent’s will. The process of carrying out these final wishes and passing of property to beneficiaries can seem drawn out and complicated. Many wills must go through probate to complete this process, but how

What Happens if You Do Not Go Through Probate?

A loved one dying brings heartache, grief, and a string of responsibilities for their survivors. From planning a funeral or memorial to tying up pressing financial obligations, distributing the property of the deceased and carrying out their final wishes can be an added burden without the process of probate court. Without the proper legal guidance,

How Long Does a Conservatorship Last?

The word “conservatorship” has become household vocabulary lately, specifically due to the high-profile legal battle over the conservatorship of Britney Spears. Her 13-year conservatorship has many people wondering … how long does a conservatorship last?   A conservator is a person appointed by the court to oversee the financial assets of a minor or incapacitated

Who Cannot Be a Guardian?

A guardian is someone with legal authority to provide care for a minor, or an adult who is incapacitated until they can do so themselves. The type of care varies, but it can include personal, or medical care. Because it is such a large responsibility, there are multiple requirements a person must meet to be

Will vs. Personal Property Memorandum

Most people have a variety of possessions that carry special meanings or have sentimental value that they attach to other people. Or, you might own something that you know your best friend has always loved. It is possible to include the transfer of these possessions to specific people. This can be done in your will

What is the Purpose of Estate Planning?

Every day, bad things happen to good people. No one wants to think about themselves or a loved one being involved in a serious accident, becoming physically or mentally disabled, contracting a life-threatening disease or even dying. Unfortunately, life is full of uncertainties – no matter how healthy your lifestyle or how careful you are.

Who Gets Assets if there is No Will?

Intestate Succession: this is the term for how a person’s assets are distributed if that person dies without a will. That means that the future of the person’s probate assets such as real property, cars, furniture, and bank accounts will be distributed pursuant to the laws of intestacy. With intestate succession, the court utilizes the

Law Lingo: Intestate

Welcome to Law Lingo: a monthly blog series brought to you by Brown & Crona, LLC that explains estate planning terminologies in simple terms. This month we will explain intestate. Intestate is the term for dying without a legal will. Intestate can also refer to an estate for which a will was deemed invalid. If