What Is Ancillary Probate?

What Is Ancillary Probate? BY JULIE GARBER REVIEWED BY EBONY J. HOWARD Updated October 08, 2020 Ancillary probate is an additional, simultaneous probate process that's required when a decedent owned real estate or tangible personal property in another state or…

What Is a ‘Lady Bird Deed’?

April 15, 2021
Bill O’Leary, Esq.
Elder Law, Estate Planning, Probate and Estate/Trust Administration

What Is a 'Lady Bird Deed'? I heard about something called a “Lady Bird deed” that could be useful if I need to apply for Medicaid. What exactly is it and why is it named that? A "Lady Bird deed"…

5 Emotional Blocks to Estate Planning

5 Emotional Blocks to Estate Planning By: PATTI SPENCER REVIEWED BY EBONY J. HOWARD Updated April 06, 2021 Here are 5 Emotional Blocks to Estate Planning. Death and taxes are two subjects that are both emotionally charged. Nobody wants to talk about…

How Do You Handle Probate?

April 13, 2021
Bill O’Leary, Esq.
Estate Planning, Probate and Estate/Trust Administration

Although there is considerable legal information and misinformation, it is generally understood that a last will and testament is the device used to distribute property after death. However, the why, how and when are less familiar.

Is Your Financial Information in Order?

Is Your Financial Information in Order? Preparing and organizing your financial information for when you are no longer capable will bring peace of mind to you today and relieve your loved ones' burden in the future. It will ensure proper…

How Do You Plan for the Death of a Spouse?

March 24, 2021
Bill O’Leary, Esq.
Asset Protection, Elder Care, Elder Law, Estate Planning, Life Insurance, Long-Term Care Planning, Power of Attorney, Probate and Estate/Trust Administration

Beneficiary designations, tying up loose ends, reporting last wishes—here’s what you can do now.

Can You Be Forced to Inherit a Timeshare?

Many timeshare contracts include a perpetuity clause, which means the contract and all its fees and obligations are yours for life. It may not end there.

Estate Battle with Millions at Stake in New Orleans

The widow of car-dealership magnate Ray Brandt filed court papers to evict her family from their Old Metairie compound on Tuesday, the latest escalation of a bitter family battle over control of the massive estate that Brandt left behind when he died in late 2019.

Planning Future for Nontraditional Families

March 3, 2021
Bill O’Leary, Esq.
Blended Family, Divorce, Estate Planning, Non traditional families, Prenuptial Agreement, Second Marriage Planning

Some people are concerned that the new conservative 6-3 majority on the Supreme Court will roll back protections for non-traditional families. Regardless of the decisions at the Supreme Court, or the impact on the state family courts, there are many ways that non-traditional families can maintain control.

Does an Estate Plan Need to Change because of the New Administration?

February 26, 2021
Bill O’Leary, Esq.
Elder Care, Elder Law, Estate Planning, Probate and Estate/Trust Administration

Now that there is a Democratic majority in the Senate and the House of Representatives, estate and gift tax law changes are expected to occur in 2021 or 2022.