Joe passes away. Sally, his wife, continues to live in the home she occupied with Joe. Five years later she decides to refinance the house. The mortgage broker contacts Sally a few days before signing to let her know that they can't move forward with … [Read more...]
The Family Cabin Disaster
David and Cheryl own a cabin in Brainerd. Upon their death, they want to pass the cabin down to their four adult children. They want to use a transfer on death deed because their neighbor told them it would result in avoiding probate. David and … [Read more...]
The Role of the Estate Planning Attorney
Clients often come to an Estate Planning attorney with specific ideas in their minds. The attorney’s role is to counsel them regarding their plan, not just to draw up documents to accomplish it. Read on to learn more. … [Read more...]
“Last Will and Testament” Origin
Why do you have a “Last Will and Testament.” Even Estate Planning attorneys are unlikely to know the etymology of the term. It was the subject of a recent question on “Jeopardy.” Read on to learn more. … [Read more...]
Using Disclaimers to Achieve Client Goals: Double Disclaimers
Disclaimers can be a good way of getting assets where you want them to go. If the disclaimer is a “qualified disclaimer,” the client isn’t treated as having made a taxable gift. Sometimes a “double disclaimer” is necessary to achieve the desired … [Read more...]
