Estate Planning and Probate Articles
Three Forms of Ownership in Utah Real Estate
Joseph G. Ballstaedt801.365.1021joe@snjlegal.com In Utah, an owner can hold title to real estate in several different forms. Three forms of ownership are discussed below: 1) sole ownership; 2) joint tenancy with rights of survivorship; and …
Thirteen Estate Planning Terms You Need to Know
Estate planning—it is an incredibly important tool, not just for the uber wealthy or those thinking about retirement. On the contrary, estate planning is something every adult should do. Estate planning can help you accomplish …
How to Own Your Real Estate
Real estate encompasses not only one’s primary residence but also other real estate such as a vacation home or a rental property. The ideal form of ownership varies depending on the type of real estate …
THE SECURE ACT: How It Will Affect You and the Beneficiaries of Your Retirement Accounts
On December 20, 2019, President Trump signed the Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement Act (SECURE Act). The SECURE Act, which is effective January 1, 2020. The Act is the most impactful legislation affecting …
Five Common Problems with “DIY” Estate Plans
In light of the current pandemic, many Americans are becoming aware of the importance of creating or updating their estate planning documents. With the extension of some states’ stay in place orders, it may be …
Obtaining Original Birth Certificates and Other Records After Adoption
In Utah, it is extremely difficult for an adoptee to obtain any records related to their birth or adoption—including the adoptee’s original birth certificate—because these records are sealed following an adoption. An adoptee will literally …
What You Can Do Now to Prevent Expensive Legal Battles Down the Road
Time is money, especially when it comes to the law. A primary reason is that in the majority of cases, attorneys are paid hourly. And additional legal experience an attorney brings to table is typically …
Utah’s New Power of Attorney Act
The Utah legislature recently adopted the Uniform Power of Attorney Act (the “Act”). The Act became effective on May 10, 2016, and makes some significant changes to current Utah law. With its enactment, Utah joins …
New Power of Attorney Law Holds Promise and Risk
Powers of Attorney are powerful and potentially risky documents. A person signing a power of attorney (the “Principal”) is delegating certain authority listed in the power of attorney to another person (the “Agent”). Properly drafted, …