Jill M. Santiago Law Offices

Estate Planning Attorney in Rhode Island & Massachusetts

(401) 307-5556
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When Is Probate NOT Necessary In Rhode Island?

February 9, 2026 by Jill Santiago Leave a Comment

Losing a loved one is tough, and the thought of navigating the estate process, especially while grieving, can be daunting. While probate is the legal process necessary to transfer assets from the deceased person’s name to their heirs or beneficiaries, it is not always required. Let’s look at common situations that allow an estate to […]

Filed Under: Probate

What Do I Do When A Family Member Dies In Rhode Island?

January 26, 2026 by Jill Santiago

Grieving the loss of a family member is one of life’s most challenging experiences. The emotional weight of loss is compounded by stress and confusion, particularly when your loved one did not plan ahead. Without clear guidance from the deceased, families are left to navigate funeral arrangements, property sales, and asset distribution during an already […]

Filed Under: estate planning wills and trusts, Family in Estate Planning, Grandparents

The 3 Types Of “Estate” Attorneys, And Finding The Right Attorney For Your Needs

January 6, 2026 by Jill Santiago

When you hear the word “estate,” what comes to mind? For many people, it conjures images of sprawling mansions with acres of manicured land. Others might think of estate sales, where a lifetime’s worth of possessions are sold after someone passes away. Still others associate it with real estate transactions, such as buying and selling […]

Filed Under: estate planning wills and trusts, Getting Started

What Is That Document That States Who Will Get Your Money And Property After You Die?

January 5, 2026 by Jill Santiago

When it comes to passing on your property to friends and family, you have options. Some formal, some informal. While informal methods might seem simpler in the moment, understanding the differences between approaches can help ensure your wishes are actually carried out. Let’s explore the various ways people plan for the distribution of their assets. […]

Filed Under: estate planning wills and trusts, Living Trust, Living Wills, Wills

Why You Shouldn’t Use AI To Write Your Estate Plan

December 22, 2025 by Jill Santiago

A courtroom is a fantastic place for a lawyer to get a real education. I’m telling you, probate court is like a masterclass in “What Not to Do” when it comes to estate planning. I see all sorts of things, but the common theme is always the same: a badly-written plan leaves a massive, expensive […]

Filed Under: DIY, Probate

A Christmas Carol for Your Estate: Protecting Your Legacy with a Little Holiday Spirit

December 8, 2025 by Jill Santiago

The holidays are such a great time to hit pause and reflect. As we gather around the table for those familiar, comforting meals, dig out ornaments with years of memories, and watch the sheer joy in a child’s eyes, I always think about Charles Dickens. He really nailed it with A Christmas Carol, showing us […]

Filed Under: estate planning wills and trusts, Family in Estate Planning

How To Talk To Your Parents About Estate Planning (Without Ruining Dinner)

November 24, 2025 by Jill Santiago

Estate planning conversations can be awkward. Whether you’re discussing your own plans with loved ones or bringing up the subject with aging parents, these discussions require careful thought and sensitivity. Here are some tips on how to approach these important conversations in a way that strengthens family bonds rather than straining them. Before I dive […]

Filed Under: Family in Estate Planning, Getting Started

When People Ask What My Life Meant, Tell Them This:

November 10, 2025 by Jill Santiago

There’s a question that haunts me in the quiet moments: When I’m gone, what will people say my life meant? I used to think the answer would be found in my resume: the titles I held, the projects I completed, the professional milestones I achieved. I thought it would be measured in the things I […]

Filed Under: Jill's Story

You Can’t Update Your Estate Plan If You’re A Ghost

October 27, 2025 by Jill Santiago

The spooky season is upon us! As the days grow colder and darker, Halloween decorations emerge, and we settle onto the couch for scary movies and candy corn (at least, I do). But there’s something even spookier than any ghost or goblin: the thought of leaving your family to navigate the unknown without a solid […]

Filed Under: estate planning wills and trusts, Holidays

How Much Life Insurance Do You Really Need? Let’s Figure It Out Together

October 7, 2025 by Jill Santiago

Here’s a question I hear all the time. “Do I really need life insurance?” And right behind it comes, “How much should I actually have?” Let me answer the first one right away. Yes, you really should have life insurance as part of your comprehensive estate plan. I remember a time when I let my […]

Filed Under: Health Insurance

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Address: 2348 Post Rd Suite 106, Warwick, RI 02886 | Phone: (401) 307-5556 | Email: info@jmslawltd.com

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