Jamaica - Local News

Whenever I speak in a foreign country, I read their local papers for current events.  You want to understand what is happening in a country during your visit.  It helps with the relevancy of my presentation to put it into a local context. 

In this morning's paper, The Gleaner, there was a probate question posed by one of the readers.  The response was provided by a local attorney.  It was strikingly similar to inquiries I have addressed.  What happens when the original will can not be found?  What happens if the executor named in the will is deceased?  What happens if the executor named in the will does not want to serve?  These and a host of other questions will be addressed in my upcoming presenation. 

By the way, if you were wondering, (1) if the original will can not be found, there are ways to qualify a copy; (2) you need a death certificate to show an executor named is deceased; and (3) if an executor does not want to serve, they have to file a renounciation form.  Contact us at http://www.ythlaw.com/ for your other estate planning needs and questions.

Estate Planning Mistakes - Number Twelve

Do not appoint the wrong Executor. An Executor is the person who handles assets and other matters when a person dies. Generally one might name the surviving spouse as the primary Executor and an older child (at least 18 years old) as the alternate Executor.

You want the assets of the estate protected. Make sure your Executor either has experience or knows how to hire the right professionals to assist with taking care of the assets. It is not always wise to name an institution unless you understand the fee structure and give an individual the authority to hire and fire institutions to manage your estate.

Contact us at http://www.ythlaw.com/ for expert legal and estate planning advice.