Probate, Estates & Trusts

If There is No Last Will and Testament, Who Will Inherit Your Estate?

Last Will and Testament - If There is No Last Will and Testament, Who Will Inherit an Estate?When it is said that a person has died intestate, it means that they died without leaving a Last Will and Testament. A Last Will and Testament is among the documents we call, “the four must-have legal planning documents.” The other three documents include: Durable Power of Attorney, Health Care Proxy, and Living Will.

The purpose of a Last Will and Testament is to express your wishes and identify who is to receive your property and assets upon your passing. It is imperative to complete a Last Will and Testament if you want to have a say on who receives your assets when you are no longer with us.

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What Will Happen to My Business if I Die? Part 1

What Will Happen to My Business if I Die? Part 1 - Business Succession Planning - VJ Russo LawWhen someone owns a business and they pass away, the business does not just stop automatically—even if they are the top partner or sole proprietor. There are still employees who need to be paid, products that need to be sold, orders that need to be fulfilled, and vendors and other obligations that must be paid as well.

There is always a lot of turbulence when someone passes away, but if they own a business, it is almost exponentially disruptive and difficult. It is very important for someone who owns a business to think about business succession planning and estate planning for themselves. This is not only for their immediate family, but for their employees and the people they do business with on a regular basis. Otherwise, it can be incredibly time-consuming, expensive, and difficult for actions to be taken properly to continue the business.

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What is the Difference Between Revocable and Irrevocable Trusts?

What is the Difference Between Revocable and Irrevocable Trusts?A trust is established by people looking to maintain control of their assets while avoiding the probate process, which is the process by which a family takes the decedent’s will to court. As part of probate, the court reviews the estate and then gives authority to distribute the decedent’s assets.

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3 Reasons to Avoid Probate

3 Reasons to Avoid ProbateWhen a person dies, his or her estate may need to go through probate. If the decedent leaves a will directing how his or her property should be distributed after death, the will must be submitted to the probate court so that it can be approved as a valid document. During this process, all of the parties that have the legal right to notice will be informed of this proceeding. This will give them a chance to accept or object to the approval of the will.

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Organizational Apps That Help You Move & More!

Organizational Apps That Help You Move & More!Our practice produces many important documents for elderly clients. Clients may forget where these documents are located within their home, lose track of the documents’ location over the course of a move, or may pass on without sharing the actual documents (or their location) with their children, executor, or guardian.

There are a few smartphone apps that can assist individuals and families to keep track of important documents such as wills or advanced directives (healthcare proxy, etc.). This tool works in conjunction with the app’s ability to catalog the contents of entire homes. This umbrella function helps with ongoing organizational efforts as well as moving assistance.  

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Help Your Grandchildren Pay for College: 529 Plans

Russo Law Group P.C. - Help Your Grandchildren Pay for College: 529 PlansMany seniors who want to help their children and grandchildren ask, “How can I help my grandkids pay for college?”

Helping pay for college can alleviate a lot of stress that a grandchild or the parents of a grandchild may be feeling. It also makes the grandchildren happy and gives them the educational tools to forge a career and support themselves for the rest of their lives. This gift is one that many grandparents are not only happy to give, but look forward to.

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