Cognitive decline is a common issue associated with advanced age. Some people develop medical conditions, such as Alzheimer's disease, that cause dementia. Others may simply find themselves more confused and less organized as their age increases. State statutes allow...
Beth Kruchek Legal Blog
Do half-siblings have inheritance rights when parents die?
The loss of a parent is often a very hard moment in a person’s life. It can trigger profound grief and may change family dynamics. Surviving children may also receive a windfall in the form of an inheritance. Typically, adult children share a parent’s estate with...
3 types of beneficiaries who cannot inherit directly
The simplest way to leave an inheritance for an individual is to name them as a beneficiary in a will. Some people have a legally-protected right to inherit when a close family member dies without an estate plan. Spouses, children and even parents can inherit from the...
How to address digital resources in an estate plan
People thinking about their legacies often focus on their physical property. They want the most valuable assets to end up in the control of their closest loved ones. People often allocate resources with financial value and emotional importance to specific...
Differences between a revocable family trust and a will
Revocable family trusts and wills are both essential tools for estate planning. While they share the goal of distributing assets, they differ in how they operate and the benefits they offer. Understanding these differences can help individuals in Arizona make informed...
What types of artwork can be included in an art trust?
Art collectors often face the challenge of protecting and preserving their valuable collections after they are deceased. An art trust can offer a reliable solution, allowing collectors to specify how their artwork will be managed, displayed and distributed after they...
3 matters that people should not address in a will
A will is often the foundation of a broader estate plan. Quite a few testators begin with a will and then draft other documents. Some people try to achieve all of their major legacy goals with one document. Regardless of how many estate planning documents individuals...
Disinheriting a beneficiary increases a risk of will contests
Individuals who own valuable property have the right to decide what to do with those assets throughout their lives. They can also determine what happens with those resources after they die. In theory, a will or other estate planning documents can give the testator...
How can people prepare for incapacity as they age?
Creating a basic estate plan to establish a legacy and protect family members can be a smart choice. Many people also need to consider establishing documents that take effect while they are still alive. Paperwork addressing the very real possibility of incapacity due...
3 reasons a pet’s needs may warrant the benefits of a trust
Pets can become an important part of a family. They can provide companionship and an incentive to exercise. They can teach children about personal responsibility and the needs of others. In some cases, the pets that people love also require consideration in their...