Probate Archives | Downs Law Firm, P.C.

Aretha Franklin’s Estate and the IRS

March 29, 2021

When Aretha Franklin died in 2018, a powerful creditor came calling: The Internal Revenue Service.

46 Year Old Zappos CEO Died with No Will

January 5, 2021

If you pass away without a will, state law generally decides who gets your assets and, if you have children, who will care for them.

Act Quickly to Protect an Estate

November 12, 2020

When dealing with the emotional pain of the loss of a loved one, family members also have to address daunting administrative tasks.

How to Make Beneficiary Designations Better

September 8, 2020

Beneficiary mistakes can result in retirement plan assets being transferred to unintended beneficiaries.

Differences Between Probate and Trust Administration

July 30, 2020

Probate and trust administration are not the same. There are important differences and similarities between administering a decedent’s probate estate and administering a decedent’s trust estate.

Protecting a Digital Legacy

June 16, 2020

The world exists just as much online as it does offline. Failing to recognize that when planning for the end of life can lead to unexpected repercussions for survivors.

Guardianship for Grandson of Walt Disney?

April 27, 2020

Bradford Lund tries to prove he is mentally capable of managing his affairs but is trapped in a probate system susceptible to predators.

Preparing for Probate

January 23, 2020

We have all heard the term “probate.” However, we may not be exactly sure what this means. It may sound daunting, but don’t be intimidated by the phrase.

Two-Thirds of Americans Have No Estate Planning

October 17, 2019

Seventy-seven percent of respondents in a recent survey said estate and legacy strategies were important for everyone, not just wealthy individuals, yet only 24% said they had taken the basic step of designating beneficiaries for all of their accounts.

Four Basic Estate Planning Tools

September 5, 2019

It was reported on the news recently that some of Aretha Franklin’s family members have found what they believe to be her will. It was handwritten, stained, and crumpled up in a couch. The courts may or may not choose to honor it, depending on whether or not they are able to verify its authenticity.

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