When you die without a Will or estate plan, here is what happens.
Most of us have had the conversation with friends or family about the “what if” scenarios. “What if something happens to me and I’m incapacitated?” What quality of life would you want or how long would you want to remain in a coma? It’s a bit dark, but it’s a...
Inheritance: Is challenging a Will worth it?
After the loss of a loved one, emotions can run high, sometimes bringing resentments to the surface. It’s common to have heirs challenge the deceased final wishes if there was an expectation of inheritance that didn’t exactly pan out. However, they need to do so on...
What happens to him if something happens to you?
Thinking about all the "what-ifs" becomes the norm once you become a parent. What if they fall down and hurt themselves? What if I'm not giving them what they need? What if something happens to me? Having an estate plan is crucial, especially for parents. Not only...
“Invincible” estate planning trusts have weaknesses. Read this.
Trusts can be used to protect your hard earned assets, to help your beneficiaries avoid the cost and expense of probate, as well as transfer legal ownership of assets to a trustee. A property is deeded in the name of the trust and the trustee is responsible for...
Filing Taxes for the Deceased
Chances are you’ve heard the saying “In this world nothing is certain, but death and taxes”, and as it turns out, taxes are certain even if preceded by death. In fact, a decedent's executor must file one last tax return for the deceased, with a few conditions which...
Are you single? Estate Planning is Vital.
You may not think much about estate planning if you're single, but you should. If you don't have a spouse or close relatives, who will you leave your estate to? A close friend? A charity? Additionally, you should specify who will make healthcare and financial...
The Top Estate Planning Errors and How To Avoid Them
There are many myths and misconceptions about estate planning. In this article, we’ll discuss the top common mistakes and how to avoid them, which will help your family save thousands of dollars in unnecessary taxes and probate fees: Beneficiary omissionsNot naming...
Grandparent custody rights; What you need to know.
When the parents of a child divorce, sometimes one of the parents tries to keep the grandchild or children away from their former spouse’s parents. In other words, the mother may keep the children away from the paternal grandparents or vice versa. What is in the...
What happens to her if something happens to you?
It sounds simple; You just want to give your assets to the people you love in a way that provides for those that can’t provide for themselves and avoids fighting so the family stays strong. Should I download a Will template or should I meet with a lawyer? Family...
How do I make a home safer for my elderly parents?
If you have an elderly loved one, making adjustments to their home to make it more accessible is important for safety and independence, even if they don't live alone. Can you imagine how frustrating it must be to not be able to navigate your own home; how a simple...
Setting the record straight: Myths of the Living Trust
If you’re reading this, chances are you have already thought about setting up a living trust. First, let's define the benefits of a living trust. A living trust allows you to retain control over the trust property until death. Then, the trust is turned over to the...
The Estate Planning Challenge of Blended Families
According to statistics from the Pew Research Center, a staggering 42 percent of Americans are in a "step" relationship. Which means that you or someone you know is probably one of the 95.5 million people who are part of a blended family. Estate planning that is...
The content of this website is for informational purposes only; users should not rely on the content as advice but should consult a lawyer about their unique legal issues. We represent clients throughout Columbus: Galloway, Lincoln Village, West Jefferson, Grandview Heights, Grove City, Hilliard, Darbydale, and Urbancrest in the areas of Probate & Estate Administration, Estate Planning, Wills & Trusts, and Injury Law. © 2021 Estate Lawyer Bendig | Marketing Partner | Sitemap | Privacy