Dear Friends, I’m not a doctor or a first responder. I’m just a lawyer. But, I do have a heart (shocker!!), especially for our senior citizens and other high-risk folks who must be so careful during this COVID-19 pandemic. Maybe I can help. Our firm does practical estate planning. (ie: last wills, healthcare powers of
SSA offices are closed to the public, and their phone service is only available in limited circumstances. Bottom line – unless it’s urgent, don’t bother trying to reach someone at SSA. If you do call, expect to wait 90 minutes or more. ———Message from SSA———– During the COVID-19 pandemic, we are dedicating available staff to
During this stressful time, please know that you are not alone. We are all in this together. If you need some help with powers of attorney or other emergency estate planning – we will try to work with you to make these things happen. We are working on:(1) developing either a sliding fee scale or
What Happens to My Property if I Die Without a Will? It happens, people die every day and do not have a will. What happens to their property when they pass away? Most assume it goes to their spouse or their children, but sometimes it isn’t as simple as that. Arkansas has addressed these and
Dower and Curtesy Rights Most people have little idea what dower and curtesy rights are and how they affect a person’s property interests. Basically, per Ark. Code 28-11-301 & 305, dower or curtesy allow a surviving spouse to retain a one third interest in all the deceased spouse’s lands for his or her life, if
Do I Need a Will? The short answer is that you may not need a will. Your property will be passed on to your heirs, even if you do not have a will. Arkansas has laws in place to ensure the transfer of real and personal property once you die. (See this article for how
Your Arkansas Attorney for Practical Estate Planning. Other estate planning topics:
What is an Heirship Affidavit? If a deceased person in Arkansas left real property that has not been disposed of by a probated will or estate, an Heirship Affidavit may be used to establish who is in line to inherit this property. If the decedent has died in Arkansas within the last five years, it is not too late to
What is an Estate Plan? Estate Plan: a comprehensive approach to ensuring that your financial goals and medical preferences are respected during your lifetime, and that your property is distributed according to your instructions at the time of your death. Why do I need one? DURING YOUR LIFE: an estate plan provides management for your assets, and instructions