BLOG FOR JOHN SWEENEY - ELDER, WILLS, ESTATES, TRUSTS, SPECIAL NEEDS, BUSINESS, & TAX LAWYER IN CT AND NY

  One of the most common questions an estate planning lawyer receives is if it will be a good choice to draw up a living trust to avoid probate. Realistically it depends on your unique situation. Some people will need […]

There is more than money that goes into an estate plan. A lawyer might explain to you that often the biggest source of hurt feelings and family disputes arises from sentimental items. Before you draft your will or trust, make […]

In most instances when someone has died, their debt does not get transferred to their surviving family members. If when someone is alive they are unable to pay their mortgage, the foreclosure process is there to let you walk away. […]

  A joint will is one will that is signed by two different people, usually they are a married couple, that essentially leaves all of their assets to one another. It sounds very simple, however, many believe it is almost […]

  A living trust is basically a contract that you make with yourself and it is usually the foundational estate planning document. The idea behind it is to make sure that while you are alive and have capacity and mental […]

It’s a common misconception that an estate plan should be reserved only for the well off. In fact, there are a number of reasons to develop an estate plan with an estate planning attorney. When someone passes away, it can […]

If you are involved in an inheritance dispute, have been treated unfairly in an a will or trust, or believe there is a possible forgery, it is important you talk with an estate litigation lawyer as soon as possible.   […]

Someone who is appointed either in the deceased’s will or by the court to administer the estate is called an executor or personal representative. This person is responsible for gathering and appraising your assets, settling any debts left behind, and […]

What is an estate plan? Estate plans are documented directions an individual leaves for his or her loved ones which specify how their assets and property should be divided upon their death. An estate plan can also contain directives as […]

Discussing estate planning and probate with your family is not only awkward, it can create stress even though you are simply preparing them for the future. Of course, they should be prepared with basic knowledge in order to take up […]