My Mom Had a Will, But It Was Useless

Q. I always had a good relationship with my mother. We would have lots of open conversations and talk about almost everything! If she ever got sick or traveled overseas, she would remind me that she had a will, and I of course … [Read more...]

Our Top 10 Spookiest Articles of 2022 

2022 has been a bit of a frightening year, but not nearly as scary as recent years past! Since Halloween is in less than a week, it’s an ideal time to catch up on some of the scariest elder law, estate planning, and special needs … [Read more...]

The Nightmare of Probate: Prince’s Estate Took Six Years to Settle

In 2016, the legendary musician and actor Prince died of a fentanyl overdose. He left behind an incredible legacy, significant assets, many relatives, and, unfortunately, no will and no trust. It took six years and tens of … [Read more...]

How to Avoid Unnecessary Pain and Expense When a Loved One Dies

Q. I recently read in a Virginia publication about a man who was grieving the loss of his mother, who died during the Coronavirus pandemic, while experiencing what he referred to as the “awful business of settling the estate.” He … [Read more...]

Critter Corner: Can You Inherit Debt from your Parents?

Dear Oakley, My mother recently told me that she charges everything and has lots of credit card debt and other debt. I’m an only child and she is widowed. If something happens to her, would I inherit her debt? Also, she lives … [Read more...]

Critter Corner: Is a Last Will and Testament Enough?

Dear Angel, My sister wants to save money on estate planning. She is considering Do it Yourself (DIY) forms that she saw online, or if she does go to an attorney, she said that a Will should be enough. Is that true? Thanks for … [Read more...]

What Happens if You Die Without a Will in Virginia, Maryland, or Washington, D.C.?

Q. I am retired and recently moved to the DC area to be closer to my daughter, her husband, and my three grandchildren. I have lived a pretty simple life, and don't have a lot. Although I am now in my early 70’s, I have never done … [Read more...]

Critter Corner: Why Are There So Many Problems With Prince’s Will Two Years After his Death?

Dear Magic, I read somewhere that Prince died two years ago, but his heirs have yet to inherit any of his 200 million dollar fortune. How can this be? Noah Money-Forthem ---- Dear Noah, It's true that it's been two … [Read more...]

Don’t Attempt this on Your Own

Q. My Aunt Linda is very stubborn. She has been divorced twice, has three kids, two step-children, and a grandchild on the way. She did her estate planning documents when she was married to her first husband, and insists on making … [Read more...]

A Year Later: Robin Williams’ Family is Still at Odds

Robin Williams with his son, Zak, and his wife, Susan in 2012. Photo from New York Times Many wealthy people die having done inadequate estate planning, or none at all. This was not the case with late comedian Robin Williams, … [Read more...]

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