The judge overseeing litigation regarding late soul music superstar Aretha Franklin's estate has ordered court supervision of the administration of the estate. Franklin's heirs, namely, one of her four sons, is challenging the appointment of the late singer's niece as estate representative. The situation has sparked opposition between the brothers.
Heirs of Aretha Franklin continue to fight over her estate
Estate litigation must meet requirements, can tear families apart
When a person passes away, the ones who are left behind might not believe the terms set in the will. Unfortunately, this situation can require legal action. As you can imagine, it can rip families apart when they should be coming together to mourn the person who died.
Issues that warrant estate planning updates
No one can predict the future. That is why it pays to be as prepared as possible, especially regarding the estate planning process. Many people, no doubt including some in Illinois, procrastinate when it comes to planning their estates because they simply do not want to think about their own mortality. Others, however, understand the benefits of executing a thorough plan early in their adult lives.
Probate litigation: What if someone dies without a will?
Every Illinois resident will basically die in one of two ways, legally speaking. Either a person dies testate (meaning, he or she left a last will and testament) or intestate (meaning, there is no will). The latter can spark complications for loved ones regarding probate litigation.
When should you update your will and estate plan?
A strong will and estate plan work together to protect your property and ensure that the people and organizations that matter to you benefit from your planning when the time comes. Many people put off creating these important documents until it is too late, leaving their loved ones with a legal mess to sort through when they pass away. Others create estate plans and wills that they never update, assuming that simply having these plans in place is all the protection they need.
No need to fear the estate planning process
There are certain things in life that many people, including some in Illinois, would rather avoid, such as going to the dentist. Even when what is being avoided is good for the person in question, he or she might have personal reasons for not wanting to do it. This is often true where estate planning is concerned.
