If a beneficiary dies before you do, who receives that person’s inheritance? The answer depends on whether your will or trust uses “per stirpes” or...
Ellen Cookman, JD
Articles by this author
How Much Does an Estate Have to Be Worth to Go to Probate? Understanding Thresholds, Rules, and Exceptions
“Everybody hates probate,” says Ellen Cookman, JD, founder of the estate-planning firm Cookman Law—even most lawyers who collect fees from it. It’s easy to understand...
What Is the Next of Kin Order?
In the field of estate planning, clients often have questions about “next of kin”—what is next of kin?…what is next of kin order?…who has more...
Irrevocable Trusts—Do You Need One?
When most people think about trusts, they’re usually thinking about simple revocable living trusts—the kind that let you control and retain both legal and beneficial...
Special-Needs Trust: Taking Care of Family Members with Special Needs
If you have a child or family member with a disability, receiving public benefits from the federal and/or state government can be crucial. These programs...
