The moment you found out you were going to be a parent, you probably started worrying about and planning for your child’s future. Estate planning also took on heightened importance because you wanted to be certain your child was protected if something happened to you. One tool in the estate planning toolbox for parents is a Uniform Transfers to Minors Act (UTMA) account. For those who are unfamiliar with this tool, the Grand Forks estate planning attorneys at German Law explain the Uniform … [Read more...] about Understanding the Uniform Transfer to Minors Act

When you think about the need for an estate planning attorney, you may think about creating or revising an estate plan that determines how your estate assets are distributed after you are gone. While an estate planning attorney certainly can help you with that, there are numerous other ways in which an estate planning attorney can help you. The Grand Forks estate planning attorneys at German Law explain six reasons why you might need an estate planning attorney. Contact a Grand Forks Estate … [Read more...] about 6 Reasons Why You Might Need an Estate Planning Attorney

You have probably watched a movie at some point where the poor, destitute main character is suddenly approached by a mysterious stranger informing her that she is the sole beneficiary of a sizeable inheritance following the death of a distant relative. In real life, that is not typically how you are notified that you have inherited from an estate. The Grand Forks estate planning attorneys at German Law explain how you can find out if you have an inheritance in North Dakota. Ways for an … [Read more...] about How Do I Find Out If I Have an Inheritance in North Dakota?

When an estate plan works as intended, all the decedent’s estate assets are legally transferred to the intended beneficiaries and/or legal heirs of the estate at the end of the probate process. Sometimes, however, assets remain unclaimed at the conclusion of probate. The Grand Forks estate planning attorneys at German Law explain what happens to an unclaimed inheritance in North Dakota. Understanding the Legal Process that Follows a Death Before discussing what happens to an unclaimed … [Read more...] about What Happens to an Unclaimed Inheritance in North Dakota?

Like most people, when you created your initial estate plan, you probably chose to execute a Last Will and Testament as the foundation for that plan. As your estate and family grew, you may have later decided to establish a trust agreement to serve as your primary estate planning document. The Grand Forks estate planning attorneys at German Law explain when and why you might need a Pour Over Will. Last Will and Testament Basics Most people are familiar with the basic concept of a Last Will and … [Read more...] about Do You Need a Pour Over Will?

Most people are aware of the need to have an estate plan in place, yet, about half of all Americans do not have one in place. If you are among them but have recently decided it is time to do something about that, you will likely start with creating a Last Will and Testament. That may have you considering the Do-It-Yourself (DIY) route. In today’s electronic age it is easy enough to find a DIY Will form online; however, doing so could be counter-productive in the long run. To help explain, the … [Read more...] about Can I Create a Last Will and Testament Without a Lawyer?