An Executor’s Guide to Administering an Estate
Estate Planning 101: The Five Most Important Clauses for Wills and Trusts
Top Ten Mistakes Executors Make and How to Avoid Them
Every August, National Make-A-Will Month serves as a reminder of something most people would like to avoid. Planning for the end of life. Creating a will isn’t about dwelling on death. It is about taking control, protecting...more
We all expect to feel grief and sadness after the loss of a loved one. What many people don’t anticipate is the sudden burden of administrative tasks that follow death, from bills to be paid and accounts to be closed. In the...more
Executors play a crucial role in managing and distributing an estate according to the wishes outlined in a will. But what happens when an executor steps outside their duties or abuses their power?...more
What you need to know before appointing an executor under your Will - Appointing the right executor is one of the most important decisions when preparing a Will. Executors play a central role in the administration of an...more
August is National Make-A-Will Month, a timely reminder for individuals and families to prioritize one of the most important — and often overlooked — aspects of long-term planning: creating a Last Will and Testament. While...more
Speaking about death can be difficult but planning ahead brings peace of mind and protects loved ones from unnecessary stress. Having a professionally drafted will ensures your wishes are followed and your estate is handled...more
After the loss of a loved one, families often face difficult questions—especially when the terms of a will are unexpected or the person named as executor is unfit. In these situations, it’s important to know that you do have...more
It is not uncommon for a dispute to arise over a funeral and the rights to a body. Over half a million people die each year in England and Wales with 581,363 deaths registered in England and Wales in 2023....more
In In re Est. of Prieto, the contestant’s mother executed a will in 2008 leaving her property to a trust. No. 04-22-00038-CV, 2024 Tex. App. LEXIS 6336 (Tex. App.—San Antonio August 28, 2024, no pet.)....more
When a loved one passes away, the emotional toll of the loss can be compounded by the sudden responsibility of managing the deceased person’s estate—especially if you’ve been named as the executor under a Last Will and...more
In Suday v. Suday, a trial court denied an executrix’s challenge to its jurisdiction with regard to her mother’s estate. No. 04-23-00836-CV, 2024 Tex. App. LEXIS 6953 (Tex. App.—San Antonio September 25, 2024, pet. filed)....more
As discussed in a previous blog, prior to an executor making distributions from an estate he/she must produce an accounting which the beneficiaries of an estate are entitled to review. Provided that the accounting is...more
When is the executor nominated by the decedent in a will deemed unfit to serve as executor? Rarely – but a recent decision in Surrogates Court set forth the standard and deemed the nominated executor in that case unfit to...more
The Chambliss estate planning team often helps families navigate the complexities of administering a loved one’s estate. Challenges can arise in addressing the personal property in the estate...more
In Gaddy v. Fenenbock (In re Est. of Fenenbock), a probate court entered an order directing the independent executor of an estate to make a partial distribution of assets from the residuary clause in the decedent’s will into...more
Florida Court of Appeal Holds that Illinois Law Firm Subject to Jurisdiction of State of Florida in Connection with Legal Malpractice Lawsuit Brought by Personal Representatives of Deceased Father’s Florida Estate - Neal...more
What is the immediate importance of estate planning and why should any parent, business owner, homeowner, or those nearing retirement be focused on this issue? Why do most people delay one of the most critical financial and...more
Creating a last will and testament is the first step in creating an estate plan – a critical planning tool to ensure that your wishes are honored and that your loved ones are cared for after your death....more
In Gordon v. Gordon, a couple created a revocable trust and named a friend, who provided financial advice, as successor trustee. No. 03-22-00454-CV, 2024 Tex. App. LEXIS 3611 (Tex. App.—Austin May 23, 2024, no pet. history)....more
August is “National Make-a-Will” Month, the perfect opportunity to seriously consider your estate plan. Many delay this crucial task due to common misconceptions about what an estate involves. Here, we delve deeper into what...more
Once you have taken the essential step in formulating your estate plan, you must name an executor of your Will. Whom should you designate for this significant role, and what is expected of them?...more
Kate Holbrook discovers that her chances of becoming pregnant are drastically reduced. Kate considers adoption, but a misguided social worker convinces her that her chances of being approved as an adoptive parent are limited...more
There are a number of considerations to make when deciding whether to proceed with a Will-based estate plan or a trust-based estate plan. First, as a general matter, there are two ways in which your estate can be distributed...more
Love may be eternal, but all relationships on this earth are guaranteed to end at some point. In fact, we know with certainty that every marriage is going to end in one of two ways, either by death or divorce....more
Why do you need estate planning no matter where you live, but especially in California? What is estate planning? Isn’t estate planning just for people with a lot of money, property and wealth? Why should someone just...more