WAEstate

We all lost a legend recently with the passing of music icon Aretha Franklin, known to the world as the “Queen of Soul.”  With a career that spanned half a century and produced such unforgettable songs as “Respect,” “Chain of Fools,” and “Think,” Aretha’s legacy will not soon be forgotten. That legacy includes a fortune estimated to be worth more than $80 million; however, because Aretha died intestate (without a Last Will and Testament), exactly what will happen to that fortune remains unclear. … [Read more...]

When you think about estate planning, you likely focus on creating a plan for the distribution of your estate assets when you are gone. Although that may remain your primary estate planning goal, you will probably also include additional, related goals as your estate plan grows. A common goal found in many comprehensive estate plans is probate avoidance. In reality, avoiding probate entirely may be impossible; however, with some careful planning, you can create an estate plan that dramatically … [Read more...]

For some time after the death of a loved one, most people experience a wide range of heightened emotions. If you are currently going through this emotional time period, the last thing you probably want to do is focus on the legal ramifications of your loved one’s death.  If you were appointed to be the Executor of the estate in the decedent’s Last Will and Testament, however, you will need to do just that, Moreover, time is of the essence when it comes to safeguarding your loved one’s estate, … [Read more...]

Connecticut probate attorneys know that the probate process is often a complicated and difficult process for family members to go through after their loved one has passed away. The probate process can take a long time, cost a lot of money, and leave families struggling to understand legal concepts that they do not fully grasp.  You don't want the probate process to be any more difficult than it needs to be, which means you should make sure you have a legal advocate helping you to fulfill your … [Read more...]

Hartford probate attorneys provide invaluable help during the probate process, which is the process by which assets are typically transferred to new owners when someone has passed away. The probate process can be a complicated, high-stakes process as the outcome of the probate process will have a major impact on what happens to the assets that the deceased has left behind.  Many people are involved in the probate process, including creditors with claims against the estate, heirs or … [Read more...]

Hartford probate attorneys at Nirenstein, Horowitz & Associates can provide assistance after someone has passed away. Our firm represents family members who want to ensure that the assets of their deceased loved one (called the decedent) are managed in an appropriate way so the wealth is protected and so heirs or beneficiaries can inherit in a timely manner. We can assist you in determining who is in charge of managing the assets left behind by the decedent and we can help that person with … [Read more...]

When a death occurs, it may be necessary to probate a will. Although most people have heard the phrase "probate a will," not everyone who is forced to cope with a death of a loved one actually knows what it means to go through the probate process. The process of probating a will can be a complicated process but it is an important one.  Nirenstein, Horowitz & Associates can guide the executor of an estate and heirs or beneficiaries through the probate process. Our legal team can explain to … [Read more...]

There are many reasons why you may be interested in avoiding probate. To avoid probate, you must make an estate plan well in advance of the time that you pass away. After your death, it will be too late for your family to avoid probate and they will need to go through the probate process. You can spare your loved ones the hassle of the probate process and the costs of probate by working with an experienced attorney to make a probate avoidance estate plan. Nirenstein, Horowitz & Associates … [Read more...]

The process of contesting a will involves challenging the validity of a last will and testament that has been created by a deceased person. The process occurs during probate and it can be a complicated one, but it could result in a will being declared invalid and not being probated. In the right circumstances, contesting a will may be a necessary and appropriate course of action following a death.  Nirenstein, Horowitz & Associates can provide assistance with contesting a will and can … [Read more...]

The executor of a will has a substantial amount of responsibility during the probate process in Connecticut. In addition to filing court paperwork and taking care of tax issues, the executor is also responsible for managing the assets of the estate and making certain that the deceased's property is cared for until it can be transferred to heirs or beneficiaries at the close of the probate process.  If an executor starts making mistakes and cannot live up to obligations, there are processes in … [Read more...]