Movies and television would have you believe that when someone dies, their will is read, and everyone immediately receives their inheritance. That typically doesn't happen in real life. Many factors determine how long the probate process will take, starting with the...
Year: 2024
How should the executor of an estate communicate with creditors?
Taking responsibility for someone's estate involves accepting a lot of personal responsibility. Family members and beneficiaries look to the representative of an estate to inform them about the status of the probate process and may pressure them to give them their...
Why did your spouse just give money away?
You and your spouse have been discussing a divorce. Your spouse is not necessarily happy about it, but they realize that there’s nothing they can do to stop the divorce from taking place. As you begin to gather your financial documents, you find some interesting...
Integrating virtual visitation terms into a parenting plan
Virtual visitation terms are increasingly being integrated into the parenting plans of minor children whose parents are no longer together. Virtual visitation uses technology—such as video calls, instant messaging and email—to supplement in-person parenting time....
When a narcissistic ex tries to alienate you from your kids
Going through a separation or divorce is difficult for everyone involved, often especially children. When one parent has narcissistic tendencies, the situation can become even more complex. Parental alienation, where a narcissistic ex alienates your children against...
Do the South Carolina probate courts enforce no-contest clauses?
Someone's estate plan can include a variety of different instructions and requests. There may be language designating certain people as the recipients for certain property and instructions about the care of dependent family members. Testators often invest a lot of...
If your ex won’t pay child support, can you withhold visitation?
Child support is sometimes ordered during a divorce, and it’s a way of ensuring that both parents can cover some of the cost of raising the child. For instance, perhaps the child will live with you most of the time, but your ex earns more money – due to their busy...
How should you tell your (adult) kids that you’re getting divorced?
So-called “gray” divorces are more common than ever before. The challenges for couples who call it quits when they’re in their 50s, 60s and beyond are often different from the challenges faced by younger couples – except to one significant extent. They still have to...
