What Happens to My Possessions if I Pass Away Without a Will? When an individual dies without having prepared a valid last will and testament, the distribution of their property does not occur randomly. Instead, a specific legal framework, known as intestate succession, dictates precisely how their estate will be divided. In Utah, these regulations […]

Estate planning involves several important legal documents, and it is natural to wonder how they work together. One of the most common questions we hear is whether a power of attorney can override a will or trust. In Utah, each of these tools has a specific purpose, timeframe, and set of rules. Understanding how they

Preventing a Trust from Being Contested Creating a trust is one of the most powerful ways to protect your assets and ensure your wishes are honored after you pass. In Utah, trusts offer the advantage of avoiding probate, maintaining privacy, and streamlining how your estate is handled. A trust alone doesn’t guarantee peace. Family members

Removing a Guardian or Conservator for Mismanagement in Utah When a loved one cannot care for themselves, the court may appoint a guardian or conservator. These individuals are trusted with primary responsibilities, making decisions about health, finances, and daily life on behalf of another person, often referred to as a protected person. But what happens

What is Probate Litigation and Estate Litigation? While it is true that having a comprehensive estate plan, including potentially both a will and trust, can simplify probate proceedings and reduce the chances of probate or estate litigation, it does not remove the risk entirely. Even those who have estate plans may still face situations that

What is Probate in Utah? Probate is a legal process that determines the fate of assets left behind by a deceased person. This process can usually be expedited if a person specifies how they wish their assets should be divided in a will. Most people will name a Personal Representative in their wills. It’s important

Planning for Your Tomorrow, Today Estate planning is a legal term used to describe the necessity of preparing for the eventualities of growing older, such as death, chronic illness, or incapacitation. Estate planning has many aspects that involve wills, living wills, trusts, and sometimes power of attorney. There are multiple benefits to estate planning, even

What Is a Guardianship in Special Needs Cases? Someone might seek guardianship for someone else if the latter person becomes unable to make decisions for themselves. This often happens in situations where someone has suffered a brain injury, been diagnosed with a form of dementia, or was born with special needs and is reaching the

Special needs trusts can help protect government aid for individuals with disabilities by: Providing supplemental support for expenses not covered by public benefits Ensuring trustee management so that funds are handled in a way that complies with benefit eligibility rules. Offering legal protections that safeguard trust assets from being counted as personal resources or targeted