What To Do When a Loved One Dies Abroad
Thu 25 Feb, by FritzLaw on Estate Planning, Probate
The death of a loved one can be one of the most disorienting life events. But if the loved one dies while traveling in a foreign country, the emotional and bureaucratic burdens can multiply exponentially. Contact the United States Bureau of Consular Affairs If foreign local authorities report a death to a US embassy or consulate, the United States Bureau of Consular Affairs located in that country will attempt to identify and contact the next …
The Benefits of Preparing an Inventory before Death
Fri 19 Feb, by FritzLaw on Estate Planning, Probate
If you have already done your estate planning, you have taken a significant step toward ensuring that your loved ones will know how to manage your affairs if you become incapacitated or die. However, simply having a will or a trust and related estate planning documents is often not enough. A detailed inventory of all of your accounts and property is crucial for helping your loved ones manage your legal and financial affairs effectively. Most …
Reviewing Your Estate Plan After the Death of a Loved One
Fri 12 Feb, by FritzLaw on Estate Planning, Probate
The death of a loved one is never easy. Regardless of your relationship with the deceased (blood relative, life partner, or close friend), you need space and time to process and grieve your loss. Once you have had time to cope with all that has happened, you should consider updating your estate plan in light of your loved one’s death. We are here to guide you through the main areas of focus of your review. …
The Recipe for a Satisfying Estate Plan
Fri 5 Feb, by FritzLaw on Estate Planning, Probate
Misconceptions about who needs an estate plan abound. Most people believe that estate planning is only for extremely wealthy business moguls or celebrities. But that could not be further from the truth. Estate planning is the process of making decisions about what happens to you, your money, and your property when you pass away or can no longer make decisions for yourself. Thus, estate planning should be standard practice for every adult age eighteen or …
How Refinancing a Property Can Affect Your Estate Plan
Fri 29 Jan, by FritzLaw on Estate Planning, Probate
The mortgage business is booming in many parts of the country. Historically low interest rates have created an almost frenzied environment with homeowners scrambling to refinance their home loans at these low interest rates. Even a few tenths of a percentage point of interest, over thirty years, can make a massive difference in the amount of interest that is ultimately paid on a loan. For many, it makes perfect sense to take advantage of these …