Does All Property Have to Go Through Probate When Someone Dies?
Does all property have to go through probate when someone dies? During the estate planning process, you must decide how you would like your assets to be distributed after you die. Your last will and testament will name someone to act as your personal representative. The will may contain all of your instructions on what…
What Does it Mean to be a Ward of the State?
What does it mean to be a ward of the state? When an adult is unable to care for themselves due to disability or disease, someone else has to manage their affairs. This is often accomplished by appointing a guardian. When no family member is available to become the guardian, the adult who needs care…
What is Permanent Guardianship of a Child?
What is permanent guardianship of a child? When you obtain permanent guardianship of a child, you are requesting the creation of a permanent legal relationship between you, as the guardian, and the child. There are many U.S. courts that will allow permanent guardianship through the court process if it is deemed in the best interest…
What is the Difference Between Custody and Guardianship?
Custody and guardianship both allow someone to care for a minor child. The main difference between the two is how they’re created. Keep reading to find out more. What is Custody? Custody is a family court order that allows someone to care for a minor child. One of the most common uses of custody is…
What is Permanent Guardianship & Why Does It Matter?
What is permanent guardianship? The importance of selecting a viable guardian early in a child’s life cannot be understated. In the event a parent passes prematurely or becomes unable to deliver the caregiving needs of a minor child, having a responsible and loving family member or trusted friend ready may prove invaluable. Without someone who…
What is a Ward of the Court?
What is a ward of the court? People become wards of the court, or state, because they are unable to take care of themselves at some level and require certain legal protections. This legal designation is also commonly called being a “ward of the state” and may apply to minors as well as adults. It’s…
What is a Plenary Guardian?
What is a plenary guardian? If you have a teenage child or young adult child with an intellectual or developmental disability (IDD), you may have concerns over how they will navigate the world as an adult. You may be wondering whether you need to assume legal guardianship to protect them from potentially costly mistakes. It…
Tenancy By the Entirety in Idaho Explained
When you’re married in Idaho, real estate and other property you acquire during the marriage is community property equally owned by the spouses. If one spouse dies, community property will usually pass to the other spouse, but there may be some special situations. You may also need to plan for separate property. A tenancy by…
Disinheriting a Child and Other Considerations of a Last Will and Testament
Are you considering disinheriting a child? Leaving your children out of your will is not a decision that is taken lightly. But sometimes there are considerations that make it the more prudent decision to leave them out of your will. If you decide to disinherit children, it is something you should do as soon as…
Revocable Trust or Irrevocable Trust: Which One Do You Need?
Do you need a revocable or irrevocable trust? No matter what happens throughout your life, you are going to leave behind assets for someone when you die. You should always leave behind a legal document to guide how to distribute those assets. Another thing you should do to protect your assets is to put your…