When a loved one dies you may have many questions about estate planning

A STEP-BY-STEP PLAN FOR WHEN A LOVED ONE DIES

Gabriel Katzner - April 27, 2021 - Probate

When a loved one dies, whether unexpectedly or anticipated, the shock and grief can be overwhelming and frequently immobilizing. Making phone calls and planning funerals take more effort than most people can muster in these difficult times. This post hopes to serve as a guide to help facilitate the process. This guide can complement the […]

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Nosy neighbors can find out about your probate

NOSY NEIGHBORS CAN FIND OUT ABOUT YOUR PROBATE

Gabriel Katzner - August 17, 2020 - Probate

Most people think of probate as a private process, but because wills are filed at the courthouse, probated estates become a matter of public record. That means your nosy neighbor can simply go online (or down to the courthouse) and find out about your probate. It’s easier than you might imagine.    It’s Not Just Mr. […]

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The probate process can take forever!

HELP! THIS PROBATE IS TAKING FOREVER!

Gabriel Katzner - August 3, 2020 - Probate

The Probate Process: There are other options! Jessica and John are in their 60s; they have two children. Unfortunately, John’s parents died in an automobile accident two years ago. John’s parents had a last will and testament written with their attorney’s help twenty years ago, but they had not updated it prior to their deaths. […]

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Savings bonds for estate planning

HOW TO HANDLE SAVINGS BONDS DURING ESTATE PLANNING AND AFTER DEATH

Gabriel Katzner - July 27, 2020 - Probate

A savings bond is a “debt security” issued by the U.S. Department of the Treasury to help pay for the U.S. government’s borrowing needs. When you buy a savings bond, you loan the U.S. government money, which the government repays with interest after a fixed period of time. There are currently two types of savings […]

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Administering a hoarder's estate.

ADMINISTERING A HOARDER’S ESTATE: WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

Gabriel Katzner - July 13, 2020 - Wills

Hoarding is not to be confused with general messiness, and it’s not an accurate way to describe someone who stockpiles a six-month supply of toilet paper. It’s actually a serious mental disorder that prevents people from discarding items, regardless of their value, and generates severe stress at the mere thought of doing so. It’s very […]

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Probate process

INFORMAL PROBATE VERSUS FORMAL PROBATE

Gabriel Katzner - September 23, 2019 - Probate

Losing a beloved relative or friend can be overwhelming, and handling the person’s complicated affairs in the wake of such a loss only adds to the stress. During this difficult time, many families look for ways to tie up loose ends and distribute the assets of the deceased as expediently as possible. To do so, […]

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SKYROCKETING PROBATE FEES – ANOTHER REASON TO AVOID PROBATE COURT

Gabriel Katzner - January 29, 2016 - Estate Planning

As of July 1, 2015, Connecticut probate courts earned the dubious distinction of charging the highest probate fees in the U.S.  Amazingly, the Connecticut legislature voted to completely cut general fund support for the state’s probate courts for the next two fiscal years, thereby creating a $32 million deficit.  In order to cover the shortfall, […]

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3 SIMPLE WAYS TO AVOID PROBATE COSTS

Gabriel Katzner - January 7, 2016 - Probate

(This is part 3 in a 4-part series) The bad news: probated estates are subject to a variety of costs from attorneys, executors, appraisers, accountants, courts, and state law. Depending on the probate’s complexity, fees can run into tens of thousands of dollars. The good news: probate costs can be reduced by avoiding probate. It’s […]

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Probate Takes So Long

HELP! THIS PROBATE IS TAKING FOREVER!!!

Gabriel Katzner - January 6, 2016 - Probate

(This is part 2 in a 4-part series) After a loved one dies, their estate must be settled. While most people want the settlement process to be done ASAP, probate can take between 18 and 24 months. Yes, you heard that right. The time delays create unnecessary stress. 4 Reasons Probate Takes So Long There are many […]

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