Category Archives: Wills, Trusts, and Estates

For many, the family home is an asset unlike any other, not only is it of monetary value but of sentimental value as well. Therefore, the transfer of the family home upon death has become an important issue for many … Continue reading →

When a loved one dies, it is likely that the burden of planning a funeral and executing the loved one’s last wishes is placed upon the grieving family. Probate is the legal process of administering the estate of a decedent, … Continue reading →

Indiana will soon join 28 other states who do not impose inheritance taxes. On March 21, 2012, Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels signed a bill to phase out Indiana’s inheritance tax. The new phase-out plan will decrease inheritance tax in stages … Continue reading →

While the importance of financially planning for retirement and old age are at the forefront of people’s minds, many are under the false impression that Medicare will serve to cover long-term care costs and therefore may not budget their money … Continue reading →

Unbeknownst to many, in order for a child to be recognized as a potential heir to a person who has died intestate or without a will, a parent-child relationship must be recognized. This is not an issue for children born … Continue reading →

***FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE*** VALPARAISO, PORTER COUNTY, INDIANA - After extensive deliberation and negotiation, Gordon Etzler & Associates, LLP has recently undergone a major expansion. Established in 2004, the Valparaiso law firm of Gordon Etzler & Associates, LLP has gone from a modest … Continue reading →

While many believe that a decree of dissolution of their marriage is the cure-all to a troublesome marriage, many aren’t aware of the steps that should be taken post-dissolution to protect their interests. It is at this instance in the … Continue reading →

Under Article 4.1 of the Indiana Code, the state of Indiana currently taxes inheritances received by certain people. However, as of last week, the Indiana House has approved legislation to phase out Indiana’s inheritance tax, and the Senate voted to … Continue reading →

For many, establishing an estate plan means admitting that one day you will die, and for many, talking about inevitable death with a stranger, let alone an attorney, is a daunting endeavor. However uncomfortable this experience may be, it is … Continue reading →

On January 4, 2012, the Indiana Court of Appeals followed the majority rule by concluding that another state’s determination that a will is invalid has no effect on the validity of the will in Indiana as it pertains to the … Continue reading →