The need for probate when a spouse dies depends on various factors. If assets were owned jointly, they often pass directly to the surviving spouse without probate. Similarly, assets like life ...

Losing a spouse is emotionally devastating — and for many widows and widowers, it can also bring unexpected financial hardship. One key reason is the “widow’s tax penalty,” a little-known tax ...

Traveling increases the importance of having an estate plan in place. Without a will, Louisiana’s default laws may not align with your wishes. Parents of young children should designate a guardian in ...

Workers and spouses become eligible for Social Security retirement benefits at age 62, but widow(er)s are eligible for survivors' benefits at age 60. Survivors' benefits let widow(er)s inherit their ...

Workers and spouses are eligible for retirement benefits at age 62, but widows and widowers are eligible for survivors benefits at age 60. Survivors benefits allow widows or widowers to inherit their ...

Divorce is usually not top of mind when couples envision living happily ever after. But it can be a financially strenuous and mentally stressful potential outcome of marriage. A spouse’s death during ...