Donor-advised funds can be useful for any number of reasons. According to a 2017 report by the National Philanthropic Trust, there were over $85 billion assets in all donor advised funds. Donor-advised funds now outnumber traditional private foundations by more than three to one. 

The type of writing necessary to create a valid will is evolving, and courts are moving away from adherence to strict compliance. In recent years, the definition of the term “will” has changed dramatically. What is a will, but the sum of its formalities?

Real estate is often the largest asset in an individual’s estate. Many plan to sell and downsize but for those who plan to “age in place” they should consider what will happen to this asset once they are gone. Leaving your home to an heir in your will can often come with additional costs to your estate.

Low income individuals are more likely to die younger and without wills or advance directives in place—but you can help!

Eleven years after the death of James Brown, the Godfather of Soul, not a penny has gone to any of the beneficiaries of his will. More than a dozen lawsuits related to the estate have been filed since Mr. Brown died on Christmas Day in 2006.

Trust law is out for blood, citing the duty to account and the rule in Saunders v. Vautier. The Law of Contracts has some heavy hitters in its corner: an agreement, contractual intention, and the legal concept of consideration. Let’s get one thing straight before we continue – there is no consideration or love lost between these two.

The Marion Superior Court Probate Division has selected Melanie Kendrick as a Magistrate to replace retired Magistrate J. Richard Turner.

When petitioning the Court to open new estates and when filing petitions for the appointment of a guardian, please remember to file with your petitions and Application for Appointment of Personal Representative (Marion County Probate Form 401.1-A) and an Application for Appointment of Guardian (Marion County Probate Form 401.1-B), respectively.

The IndyBar Legislative Committee is currently monitoring the following estate planning & administration related legislation.

The IndyBar Legislative Committee is currently monitoring the following estate planning & administration related legislation.