Legal Issues

Lawyers are society's professional problem solvers, and when you have estate issues to deal with, there's no doubt an experienced attorney can help you navigate the legalities of dying. Here's how.

Without doubt, the months following the passing of a family member can be a confusing time. Not only are you grieving, you're faced with handling estate settlement issues involving wills, probate, Social Security and taxes. Certainly, our insights on estate settlement issues can help.

Certainly, no one expects the death of a family member to involve so much paperwork and documentation. But the reality is, you're going to need to locate copies of different documents, including insurance and tax forms, wills, banking records, and deeds. Learn more here.

The death certificate, the permanent record of the fact of death, is perhaps the single most important document you'll need in the coming weeks. Learn how we can help you obtain certified copies.

Dealing with practicalities after a family member's passing can involve the closing or reassignment of bank accounts and safety deposit boxes, as well as the deposit of insurance benefit or reimbursement checks. Read this if you need information on common banking procedures and requirements.

What is an executor? What are his or her responsibilities? Learn everything you need to know about appointing an executor; including why you need one, who can serve as executor, his or her right of refusal, and guidelines for financial compensation for services rendered.

Wills are simple, inexpensive ways to address many estates. But they don't do it all. Here are some things that may not be accomplished in a will.