Aaron Schnoor

Trust Decanting: What It Is and Why It Matters

Planning for the future and managing your assets doesn't have to be complicated. Trust decanting is a strategy that is gaining traction as a savvy way to keep estate plans in line with changing laws, personal circumstances, or financial goals, all without the hassle of court proceedings.

How to disclaim an inheritance

A guide to disclaiming an inheritance, examining the reasons why a beneficiary might choose to disclaim an inheritance and the benefits and consequences of the choice

11 Things Every Trust Beneficiary Should Know

Navigating the world of trusts can be a complex journey, filled with legal nuances and financial implications that are often overlooked. Whether you’re already familiar with trusts and just looking for a refresher or are learning about trusts for the first time, here are 11 important insights that every trust beneficiary should know.

What Happens to an HSA When You Die?

While a Health Savings Account can be a helpful investment tool, it’s important to consider where HSA funds will go when the account owner passes away.

Understanding Intestate Succession

Intestate succession, or the distribution of assets when a person dies without a will, can add a layer of complication and stress to the probate process.

Can an Executor Sign Checks for the Deceased?

As the executor? Nope. On behalf of the executor, or the estate? Sometimes. Here's a guide for whether executors can sign checks for the deceased, including all the best tips and alternatives.

How to Read a Will: Actual Walkthrough and Practical Advice

Knowing how to read a will is an important part of being an executor — otherwise you're flying blind! And they aren't that bad if you know what to look for.

What Happens to Debt After You Die? Who Pays for What and Why

Whether you’re serving as the executor of an estate or planning ahead in the event of your own passing, the implications of debt after death will affect your family. Let’s see how it works.

Codicil to a Will: How to Write One and Relevant Rules to Know

A codicil is a legal document that serves to change the will in some way. That change can take many different shapes, so a codicil is not a “one-size-fits all” document.

Types of Gifts in a Will: Examples and Advice

There are four main types of gifts in a will: specific gifts, general gifts, demonstrative gifts, and residuary gifts. Here's what you should know about each.

What Expenses Can an Executor Claim? List and Actionable Advice

Probate isn’t cheap. In fact, the probate and estate settlement process costs approximately $14K for the average estate. Thankfully, you won’t be paying the $14K out of your own pocket as the executor or executrix of the estate.

How Portability & DSUE for Estate and Gift Taxes Could Save You Millions (No, Really…)

There’s an often-overlooked estate tax tip that can allow certain individuals to shield millions—up to $12.06 million, to be precise—from federal gift and estate taxes. Seems too good to be true? It’s not.

What is the Reading of the Will? Hint: It's Fake

You’ve seen the Hollywood films. A wealthy billionaire passes away, leaving a fortune behind. The family gathers to read the will... but is it a real thing?

What is a Will Contest? Key Facts, How to Contest, & More

A will contest is a legal proceeding that occurs when interested parties file a claim with the probate court to contest a will's validity.

How to Find Out If Someone Has a Will (Where to Look)

The process of finding out if someone has a will — often called a “will search”— is the crucial first step in the long probate process.

What Happens to a Bank Account When Someone Dies Without a Will? Exact Answers

How a bank account is set up determines what happens to it when someone dies without a will. Here's exactly what you need to know for your next step.

Can You Empty a House Before Probate? Rules & Considerations

Knowing if you can is one thing. Knowing if you should empty a house before probate is another. Here's how to think through it.

Who Can Access a Safe Deposit Box: Everything You Need to Know

It's not easy to figure out who can access a safe deposit box — they are notoriously difficult to get into. We break it down so you know exactly what to do.

11 Items You Should Never Put in a Safe Deposit Box

Safe deposit boxes can be a helpful resource in preventing the loss or theft of items that hold immense value or are difficult to replace, but they're not well suited for storing every kind of assets. Here's a list of the 11 items you should never put in a safe deposit box.

What are the Different Formats and Types of Wills?

One of the biggest responsibilities of an executor of a will is to validate and interpret a loved one's estate planning document. In this article we take a look at the different formats and types of last will & testament documents.

The Top 13 Items Found in Safe Deposit Boxes

Safe deposit boxes can be a valuable tool for protecting key documents and belongings. But what are some of the most common objects to find in safe deposit boxes? Atticus breaks it down here.

How to Inherit NFTs

NFTs are digital assets that represent real-world items like art, music, games, cards, or other collectibles— and while exciting to collect, NFT's can be difficult to transfer upon death. All that and more in this complete guide to inheriting NFTs.

Executor Fees: A State-by-State Guide

In nearly all cases executors are entitled to compensation for their efforts, but compensation isn’t the same for every executor— learn more with this complete guide to executor of estate fees.

What is a Probate Lawyer and Should You Hire One? Easy Guide

A probate lawyer is a state-licensed lawyer who can help the executor, personal representative, or beneficiaries of an estate through probate.

How to inherit a House— Exact Steps & Tax Considerations

Inheriting a house can be a nostalgic and exciting part of what is often a period of transition and unknowns— though it often comes with vague or confusing implications. We address all of that and more in this article.

What is the Uniform Probate Code

Wouldn’t it be easier if all 50 states in the US just adopted the same probate laws? That question has sparked an ongoing conversation for nearly 60 years.

How Much Does a Probate Lawyer Cost? Averages By State and Advice From Pros

Probate lawyers aren't cheap, and the way they charge can vary. Here's what costs to expect and whether or not you even need to get a probate lawyer.

The 5 Types of Real Estate Ownership You Should Know About — Complete Guide

There are five major types and forms of real estate ownership everyone should know. Here are the definitions, pros, and cons of each type.

What is a Charitable Remainder Trust? Types and Key Uses

A charitable remainder trust (CRT) is a tax-exempt investing vehicle that allows donors to pursue philanthropic goals while still receiving an annual income.

Bypass Trust

A bypass trust is established by an individual (the grantor) during their lifetime or through their will. It is designed to shelter a portion of their assets from estate taxes.

Charitable Remainder Trust

A charitable remainder trust (CRT) is a tax-exempt investing vehicle that allows donors to pursue philanthropic goals while still receiving an annual income.

Irrevocable Beneficiary

An irrevocable beneficiary is an individual who is named as the beneficiary of a life insurance policy and cannot be removed without their consent.

Intestate

Intestate succession, or intestacy, is a set of laws that govern what happens to a person’s estate when they die without a will. These probate and estate planning laws are in place to standardize a process around distributing a person’s assets fairly after they pass.

Trust Account

A trust account is a financial account created and funded by an individual often to help transfer assets in an easier and less-taxed fashion. For example, a totten trust is a trust account whereby a beneficiary can legally take control of assets in the event of death to the individual who opened the trust account.

Capacity

Capacity, in the context of estates and legal matters, refers to an individual's legal and mental ability to understand, make decisions, and enter into binding contracts or agreements.

Grantor

Trustee

A trustee is a person who has been given the legal ability and responsibility to administer property and other assets according to the terms of a trust.

Annual Gift Exclusion

The annual gift exclusion is a provision in U.S. federal tax law that allows individuals to gift a certain amount of money or property to another person each year without incurring gift tax consequences.

Health Savings Account (HSA)

A Health Savings Account, or HSA, is a tax-advantaged account where individuals can invest funds to plan for future qualified medical expenses.

Safe Deposit Box

A safe deposit box is a narrow metal box that is stored in a locked vault room within a bank or credit union, and used for the safekeeping of one’s important documents & other valuable belongings.

Executrix

An executrix is a woman who has been appointed by a testator (someone who dies with a will) to lead the estate administration by executing the provisions established in the last will and testament.