Going to court to challenge a will isn’t something that’s possible for anyone to do. Instead, the person must have a legal interest in the will and have a valid reason to challenge the will. One of the reasons that may be present in a situation is undue influence. ...
Estate Planning
Can an outside party unfairly impact an estate plan?
Estate plans typically contain clear instructions provided by a testator. They often indicate who will inherit from the estate and what specific assets those people will receive. Estate plans can also leave money for charitable causes, disinherit estranged family...
What does intestate mean?
You may have heard the term intestate and wondered what it meant. Dying intestate can significantly change how the probate process unfolds and how inheritance issues are handled. Essentially, dying intestate means passing away without a will or other estate planning...
Can I contest a will?
Discovering the contents of someone’s will can provoke delight in some and sadness or anger in others. Those who receive what they hoped or more than what they hoped will go away content. But those who feel hard done by, overlooked, unloved or cheated may want to...
How taxes can impact estate administration in Kentucky
Estate administration broadly involves navigating probate proceedings and fulfilling someone's last wishes. The personal representative of a Kentucky estate must also fulfill someone's remaining obligations that they could not meet before dying. For example, estates...
Estate planning for blended families
Blended families bring together various individuals under one roof, creating a unique dynamic that requires careful consideration when planning for the future. Estate planning helps ensure fairness and prevent conflicts after one passes away. Knowing the key aspects...
Consider excluding these items from your living trust
Estate planning is an important step in ensuring your desired asset distribution after you pass away. While creating a living trust is a common and effective method to manage your assets, be mindful of what you include in it. In many cases, specific items are better...
What is probate and why should I try to avoid it?
Probate is the legal process that is used to transfer title of assets from the decedent (person who passed away) to his or her devisees (recipients named in the will) or heirs (recipients named by law). Probate can be informal or formal, depending on the situation...
What are the grounds for challenging the validity of a will?
Writing a will is a significant step in helping to ensure one's assets are distributed according to their wishes after death. However, there are situations when the validity of a will may be questioned, leading to disputes and legal battles among the interested...
When does the role of an executor begin?
Being appointed an executor of an estate can be a significant responsibility. When the testator dies, you will manage their estate and distribute it to heirs. But when will you assume your duties? Here is what you should know: Immediately after the testator dies Most...