News & Resources

4/13/2015 | Kaplin Stewart Blog

In the world of estate planning and wills, a personal representative is the person appointed by a testator to manage all the details and legal matters of the estate after the testator’s death. This is the person you appoint in your will to oversee the distribution of your assets, to pay your debts and taxes, and to make sure the particulars of your will are carried out. It’s a big job. A personal representative is a fiduciary — he or […]

3/1/2015 | Kaplin Stewart Blog

It really does not pay to assume anything when you’re dealing with probate and estate planning. First, you never know what a day will bring. As harsh as it sounds, there is no reason on earth to postpone writing an estate plan, because your loved ones could need it tomorrow. Second, don’t assume that you can just let the state intestacy laws take care of your property, that your plans and state law mesh nicely if you don’t have a […]