Timothy Sumer

Build your estate plan online! MyAdvocate is the online solution for creating and maintaining your Will and all other legally-valid estate planning documents. Click the link below to get started! -- Many people like the idea of leaving their estate in trust for their spouse. Leaving your estate in trust for your spouse can accomplish the dual objectives of: (1) providing for your spouse; and (2) controlling who will receive the remaining trust assets when your surviving spouse passes away. The trustee that you designate needs to have an understanding of the legal and financial concepts involved in being a trustee. I've broken down your options regarding who should be the trustee of a trust that you establish for your spouse into four options: (1) Your spouse: (2) An individual other than your spouse: (3) A co-trustee arrangement; and (4) A corporate trustee. For prospective law firm clients who want to schedule a free 30 minute initial phone call with Paul Rabalai...

Get started creating your estate plan with MyAdvocate.com by clicking the link below! Documents valid in all 50 states. -- Sometimes, after a spouse dies, the surviving spouse assumes that they don't need to tend to any estate legal matters. While every situation is unique, the following is generally what should happen after a spouse passes away. Within a couple of weeks after your spouse dies, you should determine whether a probate is necessary. Take a look at real estate titles, bank account titles, brokerage account titles, and vehicle registration or titles. If assets such as these are in the name of your deceased spouse, you may need to see an attorney about conducting the probate to clear up the frozen assets and remove your deceased spouse's name from these assets. Once death certificates arrive, complete the handling of those beneficiary designation items, such as annuities, life insurance, IRAs, and other retirement accounts. If your spouse, or you and ...