1. What Happened in Sveen v. Melin? In Sveen v. Melin, the U.S. Supreme Court looked at a Minnesota law that automatically removes an ex-spouse as the beneficiary of a life insurance policy once a…
What Happens If Two Wills Turn Up?
When Conflicting Documents Complicate Everything It’s a situation we’ve seen more than once:After someone dies, the family finds two wills. Both are signed. Both look legitimate. And they say different things. Now what? Georgia Law…
Your Parents Named You Executor—But You Live Across the Country
What You Need to Know Before Taking the Job It’s a call many people dread:“Your mom passed away. You’re the executor.” And then it hits you—you live 1,000 miles away. Can You Still Serve? Yes.…
The Risk of Naming a Minor as Your Beneficiary
What Happens When a Child Inherits Before They’re 18? It’s a common move: listing your child as the beneficiary on your life insurance or bank accounts. But what most people don’t realize is that minors…
Is It Too Late to Plan If You’re Already in Assisted Living?
Why Estate Planning Still Matters—Even If You’re No Longer Living at Home It’s a common question from adult children:“My mom just moved into assisted living. Is it too late to update her will?” In many…
What Happens If a Witness to Your Will Dies?
And Why Georgia’s Self-Proving Wills Make a Difference It’s been 15 years since you signed your will. Everything looks in order—until you learn that one of the witnesses has passed away. Does that mean your…
You’re Named Executor—Now What?
What Happens the Moment Someone Dies and You’re in Charge Being named executor of someone’s estate is an honor—but it’s also a big responsibility. And most people have no idea what to do when that…
What If Your Beneficiary Is in Jail?
How to Handle Inheritance When a Loved One Is Incarcerated It’s not a situation most people plan for. But what happens if someone you’ve named in your will or trust is in jail or prison…
Who Has the Right to See Your Will While You’re Alive?
Spoiler: It’s Not Everyone Who Thinks They Should We get this question more often than you’d expect: “Can my kids ask to see my will?” Or, “Can my sister demand a copy now that she…
What If Your Trustee Moves to Another State?
What If Your Trustee Moves to Another State? Why Location Still Matters in a Digital World It’s easy to assume that once you’ve named someone as trustee, you’re set—no matter where they live. After all,…