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What Is Probate — And How Can Your Family Avoid It?
June 25, 2026

What Is Probate — And How Can Your Family Avoid It?

Probate is the court-supervised process of settling a deceased person’s estate — and for many families, it’s an expensive, time-consuming surprise. Here’s how it works, what it costs, and the proven strategies that let your heirs bypass it entirely.

probateestate planning
Dying Without a Will: How Intestate Succession Laws Decide Who Gets What
June 13, 2026

Dying Without a Will: How Intestate Succession Laws Decide Who Gets What

More than half of American adults have no will. If you die without one, the state—not you—decides who inherits your assets, who raises your children, and who manages your estate. Here's exactly what intestate succession laws mean for your family.

willsestate planning
What Happens When You Die Without a Will? Intestate Succession Laws Explained
June 3, 2026

What Happens When You Die Without a Will? Intestate Succession Laws Explained

More than half of Americans don't have a will — and when they die, state intestacy laws decide who inherits their assets, who raises their children, and how their estate is managed. Learn how intestate succession works, who is left out, and what you can do to protect your family.

intestate successiondying without a will
Revocable Living Trusts vs. Wills: Which Estate Planning Tool Is Right for You?
May 17, 2026

Revocable Living Trusts vs. Wills: Which Estate Planning Tool Is Right for You?

Confused about whether you need a will, a revocable living trust, or both? This comprehensive guide compares these two fundamental estate planning tools, explaining how they work, their advantages and disadvantages, and how to choose the right strategy for your family.

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Ancillary Probate: The Costly Problem When You Own Property in Multiple States
April 26, 2026

Ancillary Probate: The Costly Problem When You Own Property in Multiple States

If you own real estate in more than one state, your family could face separate probate proceedings in each. Here's how ancillary probate works — and how to avoid it entirely.

probate
The Executor's Checklist: A Step-by-Step Guide to Settling an Estate
April 25, 2026

The Executor's Checklist: A Step-by-Step Guide to Settling an Estate

Being named executor is an honor that comes with real legal responsibilities. This step-by-step checklist walks through everything you need to do — from securing the death certificate to closing the estate — and when to call in professional help.

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How to Avoid Probate: 7 Strategies That Actually Work
April 25, 2026

How to Avoid Probate: 7 Strategies That Actually Work

Learn 7 proven strategies to keep your estate out of probate court — from revocable living trusts to beneficiary designations and Lady Bird deeds. Probate is slow, expensive, and public. These strategies help you avoid it entirely.

estate-planningprobate
Digital Assets and Your Estate Plan: What Happens to Your Crypto, Online Accounts, and Social Media When You Die
April 24, 2026

Digital Assets and Your Estate Plan: What Happens to Your Crypto, Online Accounts, and Social Media When You Die

Your digital life has real value — and without a proper plan, your family could lose access to thousands of dollars in cryptocurrency, sentimental photos, and important accounts forever. Here's what every New Yorker needs to know about protecting digital assets in your estate plan.

estate planningdigital assets
What Happens If You Die Without a Will? Intestacy Laws, Family Consequences, and How to Protect Your Loved Ones
April 15, 2026

What Happens If You Die Without a Will? Intestacy Laws, Family Consequences, and How to Protect Your Loved Ones

When someone dies without a will, state intestacy laws take over — and the results are often not what the deceased would have wanted. Learn how courts distribute assets, who inherits, and what you can do now to protect your family from legal uncertainty.

intestacywills
Probate vs. Non-Probate Assets: A Complete Guide to Asset Ownership and Estate Planning
April 7, 2026

Probate vs. Non-Probate Assets: A Complete Guide to Asset Ownership and Estate Planning

Understanding the difference between probate and non-probate assets is crucial for effective estate planning. Learn how asset classification affects your family's inheritance, taxes, and the time it takes to distribute your estate.

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