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Legal Documents and Gavel Representing Intestate Succession

What is intestate succession?

March 26, 2026 • By Jack Gilbert

Intestate succession is the legal process that distributes a deceased person’s assets under state law when there is no valid will. Most states prioritize spouses and children first, then other close relatives based on a set order of inheritance. This article explains how intestate succession works, who inherits, and key state-by-state variations. When someone passes […]

Probate Process Documents and Gavel on Desk

Estate Administration Probate Law

What is probate?

March 26, 2026 • By Jack Gilbert

Probate is a court-supervised legal process that transfers a deceased person’s property, typically after a judge validates the will. It ensures valid debts and taxes are paid before assets go to heirs or beneficiaries under the will or state intestacy law. This article explains probate steps, timelines, and common ways estates avoid probate. When someone […]

Person Writing a Testament at Desk with Pen

Estate Planning Probate & Estate Administration

What is a testament?

March 26, 2026 • By Jack Gilbert

A testament is a written legal document that states how your property will be distributed after death and typically names 1 executor to carry out those wishes. It’s commonly called a will or “last will and testament” and must meet state signing and witness rules to be valid. This article explains what a testament is, […]

Legal Document with Pen and Glasses on Desk

Estate Planning Probate

What is a will?

March 26, 2026 • By Jack Gilbert

A will (last will and testament) is a legal document that states how your property is distributed after death and can name an executor and guardians for minor children. It gives clear instructions to reduce confusion and family disputes during probate. This article explains what a will is, what it includes, and why it matters. […]

Legal Guardian Protecting Child with Umbrella

Elder Law Family Law

What is a guardianship?

March 26, 2026 • By Jack Gilbert

A guardianship is a court-ordered legal arrangement where a judge appoints 1 person (a guardian) to make decisions for someone who can’t (a ward). It’s used to protect vulnerable people and can cover personal care, medical decisions, and/or financial management. This article explains how guardianships work, who qualifies, and key duties and limits. A guardianship […]

Family Holding Hands in Supportive Embrace

Child Welfare Law Family Law

What is foster care?

March 26, 2026 • By Jack Gilbert

Foster care is a temporary arrangement where children are placed with trained caregivers when they cannot safely remain at home. Child protective services may remove a child due to safety or neglect concerns and place them with foster parents while reunification efforts proceed. This article explains how foster care works, why removals happen, and what […]

Judge's Gavel with Family Law Books in Courtroom

Adoption & Termination of Parental Rights Child Welfare Law

What is termination of parental rights?

March 26, 2026 • By Jack Gilbert

Termination of parental rights (TPR) is a court order that permanently ends a parent’s legal rights and duties to a child. After TPR, the parent has no custody, visitation, or authority to make decisions, and the legal relationship is fully severed. This article explains what TPR means, common grounds, and what happens next. Understanding Termination […]

Child Support Law Family Law

What is paternity?

March 26, 2026 • By Jack Gilbert

Paternity is the legal recognition of who a child’s father is, creating enforceable rights and responsibilities like custody, parenting time, and child support. It can be established by marriage, a signed acknowledgment of paternity, or a court order—often supported by DNA testing. This article explains what paternity means, how it’s determined, and the legal effects […]

Legal Documents and Gavel Representing Minor Emancipation

Family Law Guardianship & Conservatorship

What is emancipation of a minor?

March 26, 2026 • By Jack Gilbert

Emancipation is a legal process that grants a minor adult-like independence, ending parental control and making the minor responsible for their own decisions and obligations. It typically requires a court order (or, in some states, marriage or military service) and is governed by state-specific rules about age, finances, and best interests. This article explains what […]

Gavel and Legal Documents on Wooden Desk

Domestic Violence Law Family Law

What is a domestic violence restraining order?

March 26, 2026 • By Jack Gilbert

A domestic violence restraining order (DVRO) is a court order that protects someone from abuse or threats by a spouse, dating partner, co-parent, close relative, or household member, and can require the abuser to stay away. It may include no-contact and stay-away terms, move-out orders, temporary child custody, and firearm restrictions, often issued quickly on […]

Couple Dividing Assets with Separate Property Documents

Divorce and Separation Family Law

What is separate property?

March 26, 2026 • By Jack Gilbert

Separate property is any asset a spouse owned before marriage—or acquired during marriage by gift or inheritance—and it generally isn’t divided in divorce. It can lose that status if it’s commingled with marital funds or treated as a shared asset, depending on state law. This article explains what counts as separate property, common exceptions, and […]

Couple Reviewing Marital Property Documents Together

Divorce Law Family Law

What is marital property?

March 26, 2026 • By Jack Gilbert

Marital property is generally any assets or debts either spouse acquires during the marriage, typically subject to division in divorce. The exact definition and how it’s split depend on state law (community property vs. equitable distribution) and on factors like prenuptial agreements, inheritances, and commingling. This article explains what counts as marital vs. separate property, […]

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