Few families, of course, enjoy talking about money. Introduce the idea of estate plans and inheritance—who gets what and why—and conversations often never get off the ground.
We have all heard the term ‘probate.’ However, we may not be exactly sure what this means. It may sound daunting, but don’t be intimidated by the phrase.
As Thanksgiving approaches, it’s meaningful to reflect on the origin of the holiday–Native Americans and pilgrims sharing their bounty of food with each other. As you gather with your loved ones this year, perhaps you can think of ways to share not only your dinner, but also your financial bounty.
When the first spouse dies, the surviving spouse may not remain as close with his or her stepchildren. Small irritations which were overlooked during the lifetime of the spouse who died, may become outright disputes.