Estate administration involves more than just the distribution of an individual's property. Before the final transfer of assets from the estate, the personal representative must ensure that they have fulfilled all valid financial obligations. Their responsibilities...
One of the key things you need when choosing someone to be the executor of your estate is complete trust. When your legacy is involved there is too much at stake to select someone you find to be dishonest or unreliable. It’s no surprise, therefore, that many people...
If you asked someone if they think they’re a good driver, they’d likely say yes. If you asked them if they get distracted much while driving, they’d probably say no. The truth is that neither answer may be as true as they believe. They likely get distracted a lot, and...
Estate plans are beneficial for anyone, but often especially those with valuable resources. High-value estates can trigger fraudulent claims or conflict among beneficiaries. They can also be at risk of significant reductions in value caused by estate taxes. Proper...
When you are appointed as the executor of someone’s estate, you may assume that you have to do the job alone -- but you don’t. In fact, it is often better that you do not. Here are three reasons why it could make sense to use some of the estate funds to hire...
If you are in the midst of raising children, estate planning may not be high on your never-ending to-do list. However, creating an estate plan isn’t just about money. It’s about stability, protection and peace of mind for you and your children. Estate planning isn’t...
Car crashes are a regular occurrence on roads everywhere. Most people have either been in a collision themselves or know of someone who has. Bar a very few cases, none of the drivers involved actually meant for the crashes to happen. Thus, it is easy to think of them...
COUGHLIN & GERHART, ATTORNEYS HONORED IN BEST LAWYERS® LIST Coughlin & Gerhart, LLP, a distinguished multi-service law firm, is proud to announce 14 of its attorneys were recently selected by their peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America© 2025. The...
Thinking about the future of your children is both an act of love and responsibility. For many parents, naming a guardian feels like the most important step in protecting that future. While choosing the right person matters, it is only a small part of a much larger...
Overseeing estate administration typically means juggling numerous obligations. Personal representatives may need to locate a will and file paperwork with the surrogate courts, also known as probate courts in other states. They also need to settle the financial...