Jackson, Tennessee Legal Blog
Failing to have an estate plan can cause complications
In Tennessee, estate planning is frequently left until later because people believe there is time to address it in the future. Putting it off, as many do, can be a major mistake. This is true regardless of a person’s age, physical condition, how much property they own...
Does your adult child need a power of attorney?
When their now 18-year-old child is heading off to college, parents think about getting them ready by opening bank accounts, researching financial aid and buying bedsheets and other household items in preparation for dorm life. The last thing on their to-do list is...
Steps to take after losing a parent
Losing a parent is never easy, even when it is expected. But as you are trying to deal with the emotional realities of losing your loved one, the logistical challenges of dealing with what they have left behind can be overwhelming. And improperly addressing or...
Did a trustee’s action constitute a breach of the fiduciary duty?
The probate process can be stressful for everyone. Trustees and estate administrators might be concerned about how to navigate the process without straying from their obligations, and beneficiaries are often worried about how assets are being managed and distributed....
When might a small estate affidavit be right for my situation?
People who have lost a loved one and are thinking about how to settle their affairs will often be concerned about what to do. Probate and estate administration can be confusing and, in the aftermath of a person’s death, it can be difficult to think about these issues...
Why it is important for young parents to have a will
The birth of a baby changes parents forever. After the baby is born, life tends to be centered on the child. Much of the focus turns to the needs of the child and making sure that they have what they need to grow and mature. While parents do plan for the future for...
Should I consider an advance directive as part of my estate plan?
For Tennessee residents, it is important to be prepared for the future. Many will think about that in the context of retirement, shoring up their finances, making certain their basic needs are in place and they have prepared as much as possible. One uncomfortable...
4 reasons someone might challenge a will in probate court
Most of the time putting a will through probate goes smoothly, and the deceased's assets get distributed to their heirs according to their wishes within a reasonable amount of time. Sometimes, though, a family member or other heir will challenge the will's validity in...
When should I update my estate plan?
There are certain times in the estate planner’s life when they may want to take a hard look at their estate plan to determine if it still makes sense for them. Just like when they set up their estate plan, estate planning tools are flexible to help estate planners...
Modifying your parenting plan in Tennessee
As part of the divorce process, courts will require you to come up with a parenting plan to address child custody issues. A parenting plan will typically contain details of the custody arrangement, including how much time the child will spend with each parent, how the...