Handling Mom’s Estate: Where to Start and What to Expect in Indiana
Losing a parent is difficult enough without the added responsibility of managing their estate. Many adult children find themselves asking the same question: Where do I even begin? At Martz and Lucas, we work with families across Indiana who are stepping into this role for the first time. The good news is that there is […]
Do You Know Which “Bucket” Your Assets Are In?
Most people believe their estate plan begins and ends with their Will or Trust. But before those documents even come into play, there’s a more fundamental question: How are your assets titled? When you die, your property does not all transfer the same way. In fact, there are three primary “buckets” that determine what happens […]
Do You Want Your 12-Year-Old Inheriting Half of Your Estate?
It’s a question that makes most parents pause. But under Indiana estate laws, it’s a very real possibility if you die without a Will. Many people assume that if they pass away, everything automatically goes to their spouse. In Indiana, that is not always true. When someone dies without a valid Will, they are considered […]
The Role of Adult Children in Helping Aging Parents Plan
As our parents grow older, many of us find ourselves stepping into a new role: advocate, helper, and sometimes caretaker. One of the most important — and sensitive — responsibilities adult children may take on is helping their aging parents plan for the future. Estate planning isn’t just about legal documents. It’s about making sure […]
Gifts Your Parents Can Give You to Make Administering Their Estate Easier
When a loved one passes away, families are left to deal not only with the emotional weight of loss, but also with a number of legal and financial responsibilities. Whether the estate is handled through probate or administered through a trust, someone must take on the task of gathering information, settling obligations, and distributing assets. […]
Scary Estate Planning Mistakes That Haunt IndianaFamilies
October is the perfect time for haunted houses, ghost stories… and a few frightening facts about estate planning. At Martz & Lucas, we’ve seen how “scary” things can get when families skip making a solid plan. So grab your pumpkin spice latte and settle in, these are the real estate planning nightmares you don’t want […]
Valparaiso’s Popcorn Legacy: What Orville Redenbacher Can Teach Us About Estate Planning
Every September, downtown Valparaiso comes alive with the unmistakable scent of freshly popped kernels, live music, laughter, and community pride. The Valparaiso Popcorn Festival, held annually on the first Saturday after Labor Day, is more than just a celebration of food—it’s a tribute to one of the city’s most iconic residents: Orville Redenbacher. What started […]
How Do Assets Transfer After Death?
Understanding What Happens to Property When Someone Passes Away One of the most common questions we hear at Martz & Lucas is, “How do my assets transfer when I’m gone?” It’s a critical issue in estate planning and administration—and one that often causes confusion. The truth is, not all assets are treated the same way. […]
When No One Knows What You Wanted: A Cautionary Tale in Estate Administration
At Martz & Lucas, we’ve seen how estate planning—or the lack of it—can significantly impact families during one of the most difficult times of their lives. While many people believe that estate planning is only necessary for the wealthy or elderly, the truth is that anyone who owns property, has dependents, or wishes to have […]
Why Everyone Needs an Estate Plan—Not Just the Wealthy
When most people hear the words “estate planning,” they think it’s something reserved for millionaires, business tycoons, or families with sprawling assets.