One thing some people dread as they draft their will is that it will be challenged after their death. Families have been known to battle each other in court for any number of reasons. Some believe a decedent neglected to give them an adequate inheritance. They may...
Estate Planning And Probate
Safeguard your legacy by keeping your will current
Creating a powerful will is about much more than making final arrangements. It also involves giving your loved ones peace of mind during a difficult time in their lives. Of course, the comfort of having your estate matters settled is beneficial, but an outdated,...
Saving a family farm from an adult child’s divorce
There are a variety of scenarios that could put a family farm at risk in North Dakota. For example, when agricultural families have multiple bad seasons back-to-back, they might find themselves in a scenario where they struggle to pay their bills and afford the...
Do not put off your estate planning
Did you know that most people don’t have an estate plan? It’s true, as recent studies have found out that roughly 2/3 of all individuals polled do not have their estate plan in place. There’s something of a caveat here, as age was not taken into account for this...
Can you create multiple trusts?
When drafting a will, you may find that it doesn't have a lot of options to secure your assets. For example, your estate could be taxed and your heirs may have to wait up to a year before they inherit the remainder. So, what can you do to avoid these issues? For...
What happens if you die without a will in North Dakota?
In North Dakota, dying without a will means that your estate will be subject to the state's intestate succession laws. Intestate succession refers to the legal process of distributing the property and assets of a person who dies without a valid will. Understanding...
3 challenges of trying to manage probate from out-of-state
Not everyone who dies in North Dakota has beneficiaries and an executor or personal representative who lived in the state with them. People relocate for work and relationships all the time. Whatever the circumstances, out-of-state probate administration can often...
Should you use unequal bequests?
You do not have to give equal bequests to all of your heirs. For example, a parent with $300,000 and three children does not have to leave $100,000 to each person. If they wanted, they could leave all $300,000 to the same individual, or they could simply divide things...
4 important questions about spendthrift trusts
When doing your estate planning, your legal and financial advisers might recommend trusts as a vehicle to convey money or assets to your heirs. One type of trust can be specifically drafted to prohibit heirs’ access to the trust principal and from bleeding it dry with...
4 things you should have in your estate plan
When it comes to estate planning, it's crucial to ensure that all of your assets are looked after and that your wishes are honored after your passing. Creating an estate plan can seem overwhelming, but it doesn't have to be. Here are some of the key elements that...