A parent’s death doesn’t necessarily stop sibling rivalries. Disputes can carry on for a lifetime, and sometimes these arguments find a way into the probate process. Sometimes, one of the adult children will claim ownership to an asset, perhaps a bank account or a family heirloom, claiming that the deceased parent promised it to him […]
In an ideal world, a thoughtfully constructed will would ensure an individual’s last wishes were irrefutable and easily executed. However, the reality is that family members often end up in a dispute after a loved one passes away regardless of the documentation that was carefully crafted beforehand. After the death of a family member, confusion […]
Most of us have spent a good portion of our careers gradually accruing significant retirement savings through 401(k)s and other investment tools, but the latest trend in identity theft has begun targeting that hard work. Imagine reviewing the statement for your retirement account only to find that it’s suddenly empty. That has been the shocking […]
Gaslowitz Frankel is pleased to have earned the honor of being named to the 2018 list of best law firms in Atlanta for Trusts & Estates Litigation by U.S. News and World Report. According to U.S. News and World Report, the Best Law Firms rankings “are based on a rigorous evaluation process that includes the […]
After someone dies, the property they leave behind becomes an asset of their estate. It can be any type of asset, including land, homes, jewelry or money. A will determines how those assets are distributed. To administer the estate, an executor is appointed by the court, usually designated by the decedent in the will. The […]
For all parties involved, the decision to legally remove an individual’s right to make decisions on his or her own behalf is a difficult one that shouldn’t be taken lightly. It often creates emotional tension within a family by placing an immense amount of responsibility on an appointed individual while leaving another individual (often a […]
Preparing for the vast array of circumstances that the future could hold can be a daunting task, and most of us recognize the need to name someone to handle our affairs and decisions if we become ill or incapacitated. However, many older Americans are increasingly concerned about the potential dangers of granting such power to […]
When a family member dies suddenly, it creates chaos in nearly every family. More often than not, disputes over property and money only intensify the grief everyone is already suffering. As older adults, it’s likely that we’ve taken steps to minimize that risk, such as maintaining an up-to-date will and setting up a family trust. […]
If something were to happen to your spouse, do you know what assets and liabilities you have? For many women in the Baby Boomer Generation, the terrifying yet all too common answer is “no.” Oftentimes, couples write the first version of their will when they are starting a family and then revise it a decade […]
Every parent wants to make sure their children will be taken care of if the unthinkable were to happen, and many grandparents or other family members often want their wills to include bequests to the younger generations in the family. However, there are special issues to consider when leaving assets to minors. Good intentions with […]
