What is an Estate?
Your Estate is all of your property - real estate, cash, stocks, bonds, life insurance policies, cars, jewelry, household goods, family heirlooms, etc.
What is Probate?
It is a process, which includes a Court proceeding that establishes the legal transfer of property following death.
What is a Will?
A Will is a written document that directs how your personal property is to be distributed upon your death. If you die without having a Will, THE LAW - NOT YOU - determines how your property will be distributed.
Can I write my own Will?
You can write your own Will, but these are often contested in Court. The most logical way to protect your assets is to have an experienced, competent attorney write your Will.
What are the legal requirements for making a Will in the State of Nebraska?
You must be at least 18 years of age. An exception is made for married persons of any age. You must also be of sound mind. The Will must be in writing, either handwritten or typewritten, signed by you and witnessed by two or more competent people who sign the Will in your presence and in the presence of each other.
What is a Personal Representative?
A PR is someone 19 years of age or older who will see that the provisions of your Will are carried out. He or she does not need to live in Nebraska.
What if I have minor children?
You should designate someone to serve as a guardian to your minor children should anything happen to both you and your spouse.
What is a Living Will?
Living Wills are medical directives that tell your family what your wishes are if you become incapacitated. If you are ill or injured and on life support systems and medical personnel determine that you will continue to live in a "persistent vegetative state", you can direct that life support measures be discontinued and that you be allowed to die.
What is Power of Attorney?
A Power of Attorney is a document, which names a person of your choice to handle your financial affairs and /or health care decisions if you become incapacitated or incompetent.