Anna Nicole Smith has become a household name. But that was not always the case. She was born as Vickie Lynn Hogan and grew up about 80 miles south of Dallas, Texas. She was raised by her mother and, at age 17, she married Billy Smith, age 16, a cook at the restaurant where she […]

No one wants to think of the possibility of Mississippi Medicaid taking your house after you pass away, but without long-term planning, that becomes a definite possibility. One of the most frequently asked questions Mississippi elder lawyers receive is, “When should we start planning for long-term care?” The short answer is, “Long before you need […]

A testate estate means the deceased left a valid will outlining asset distribution. This article explains what a testate estate is, why a will is important, and how it simplifies distributing assets. Key Takeaways A testate estate indicates that the deceased left a valid will, facilitating structured asset distribution per their wishes, while an intestate […]

Estate administration services help manage the distribution of assets and settlement of debts after someone dies. They ensure everything is handled legally and according to the deceased’s wishes, navigating the complex legal process involved. In this article, you’ll learn about the key steps, roles, and important considerations in the estate administration process. Key Takeaways Estate […]

Probate is the court-supervised process of managing and distributing a deceased person’s estate. It ensures that debts are paid and assets are given to rightful beneficiaries, either according to the will or state laws if no will exists. Key Takeaways Probate is the legal process for distributing a deceased person’s estate, ensuring debts are settled […]

Need long-term care but worried about losing your savings? Medicaid planning helps you qualify for Medicaid while protecting your assets. This guide covers essential strategies to secure your financial future. Key Takeaways Medicaid planning is essential for managing healthcare costs and protecting assets, helping individuals qualify for Medicaid without depleting savings. Engaging certified Medicaid planners […]

Inheriting an IRA can be a significant financial event, and recent changes to the IRS rules make it crucial for beneficiaries to understand their obligations. Whether you’re in Jackson, MS, or elsewhere, these new regulations could significantly impact your inheritance. As a Mississippi estate planning lawyer, I’ll break down the key changes and how they […]

Imagine you’re at a family reunion, and your eccentric Uncle Bob starts talking about how he’s become a “Trustor.” Your cousin Sarah rolls her eyes, assuming it’s just another one of Bob’s quirky hobbies. But little does she know, Uncle Bob might just be the smartest person at the picnic table. As a Clinton, Mississippi […]

Retirement brings a new chapter in life, one that often involves securing and managing your assets for peace of mind and the future. Among various estate planning tools, a living trust stands out for its numerous benefits, especially for retirees. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore what a living trust is, how it differs from […]

As a grandparent, you’ve probably spent countless hours doting on your grandchildren, showering them with love, and creating precious memories. But have you considered how you can continue to support and protect them long after you’re gone? As a Clinton, Mississippi, estate planning lawyer, I’ve seen firsthand how grandparents can play a crucial role in […]