Resource Library

The &Law Blog

Demystifying Estate Planning & Administration

Heather Hazelwood Heather Hazelwood

Debt at Death

Common: having debt at death.

Uncommon: knowing what happens to it & who pays.

Here are four essential takeaways about debt at death.

Read More
Uncategorized Heather Hazelwood Uncategorized Heather Hazelwood

(Un)Safe Deposit Boxes

A safe deposit box (aka safety deposit box) is a great place to store valuable and/or important things, right? Well, it depends (and yeah, it's totally fine to insert a groan here for this classic lawyer non-response).

Read More
#unstuckestateplanning, FAQ Heather Hazelwood #unstuckestateplanning, FAQ Heather Hazelwood

FAQ: Can a Trust Protect My Identity?

Can a Trust protect your identity? Let's say you win the lottery. Or you're a celebrity or have a high-profile job (like a politician, a judge, and/or a law enforcement officer). Perhaps you've got a lot of debt. Or maybe you're just a really private person. Whatever the reason, you want to disconnect your name from property that you own. So, can a Trust help you do that? The quick answer is probably not.

Read More
#unstuckestateplanning, FAQ Heather Hazelwood #unstuckestateplanning, FAQ Heather Hazelwood

FAQ: Is adding my adult children to my bank account(s) a good idea for estate planning?

Many clients wonder what to do about bank accounts for estate planning purposes. The best option(s) for you may not be the best option for another person. And it might not be what your friend or family member did (or told you to do). Keep reading for the basics on your options, along with some points of consideration.

Read More
Info Heather Hazelwood Info Heather Hazelwood

FAQ: What happens when you die without a Will?

Fact: Chadwick Boseman died without a Will. And he’s not alone in this. Research shows that nearly 70% of adults in the United States don’t have Wills. So, what happens if you die without a Will? In a nutshell: the laws of your state take over. What does that mean? Keep reading…

Read More
FAQ, Info Heather Hazelwood FAQ, Info Heather Hazelwood

FAQs about Revocable Living Trusts

FAQs about Revocable Living Trusts: What is a trust? What is a revocable living trust? What are the PROs of having a revocable living trust? What are some MYTHS about revocable living trusts? What are the CONS of having a revocable living trust?

Read More
FAQ Heather Hazelwood FAQ Heather Hazelwood

5 Questions about Probate

Have you ever heard anyone talk about 'avoiding Probate' but aren't exactly sure what that means? This week, #unstuckestateplanning is focusing on five common questions about Probate.

Read More
Uncategorized, Tips Heather Hazelwood Uncategorized, Tips Heather Hazelwood

The Truth About Being an Executor

The Executor (or Executrix or Personal Representative) is the person (or people) you name in your Will who will be responsible for carrying out the terms of the document after you die. The exact duties vary from state to state, and can even vary within a state based on the specifications of different Wills.

Read More
Uncategorized Heather Hazelwood Uncategorized Heather Hazelwood

Can Preparing for Death Actually Help You Live Better?

Today (Halloween) is a holiday with a rich backstory. A quick skim of the Wikipedia page on Halloween reveals a number of traditions celebrating today (and the few days that follow) as a way to honor the memories of our loved ones who have died. The timing of Abundance NC's annual Death Faire (this year, November 3 in Pittsboro) is not coincidental. They offer this event as "an attempt at changing our culture around death, dying, and ultimately living well."

Read More