When someone creates or updates a will, they must be of sound enough mind to understand what they are doing and the implications it has.  This is known in the legal world as testamentary capacity.  The person creating the will is known as the testator, so this term refers to their mental capacity at the time the will was signed …Read the Full Article

It is a prudent although sobering step to make the first draft of your will.  Although none of us care to think of our eventual passing, it can help your loved ones immensely if you make plans for this eventuality.  However, having drafted an initial will is only the beginning of providing for your family after you are gone.  As …Read the Full Article

The drug Depakote, first released in 1983, is currently used for the treatment of seizures, bipolar disorder, and migraine headaches.  Depakote has been linked to devastating birth defects if the drug is taken during pregnancy.  Many of these defects affect the infant’s brain, nervous system, spinal cord, and circulatory system.  A common birth defect seen in babies born to mothers …Read the Full Article

When a soldier ships off for deployment, he or she may want to take care of certain personal and legal affairs before leaving home. This can include issues that deal with a soldier’s finances and estate. For help managing an estate while away on deployment, a soldier can turn to a trusted loved one by granting him or her power …Read the Full Article

The National Conference of Commissioners on Uniform State Laws began to formulate a uniform standard for probate laws in 1964. By 1969, this organization, with help from the American Bar Association, completed their Uniform Probate Code. This code was aimed at reducing differences between state laws by providing a single template for dealing with problems related to estate plans and …Read the Full Article

An incapacitated individual cannot handle his or her own personal affairs, typically placing this burden on a loved one. These guardians can apply for legal authority over their wards through an order of guardianship or conservatorship. These orders allow guardians to exercise power over their incapacitated loved one’s medical, legal, and financial matters. A guardianship can only be applied for …Read the Full Article

The area of law that governs the creation and fulfillment of testaments such as wills and trusts is known as probate law. When a court specializes in this specific type of law, that court is a probate court. These specialized judicial bodies can provide an authoritative judgment on legal matters that involve wills and trusts, settling  disputes between various parties. …Read the Full Article