Estate Planning Attorney in Rhode Island & Massachusetts

Jill M. Santiago Law Offices
(401) 307-5556
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If I Add My Child To My Bank Account, Does That Solve Estate Planning?

April 6, 2026 by Jill Santiago

We hear this question all the time: “If I just add my child to my bank account, does that take care of my estate planning?” It’s a completely reasonable thing to wonder. After all, if your child is already on the account, the money goes straight to them when you pass–no hassle, no delay, right? […]

Filed Under: Probate

If I Have A Will, Does That Mean My Family Avoids Probate?

April 6, 2026 by Jill Santiago

The short answer is: No, creating a will does not avoid probate. Here’s what you need to know. Going through the probate process can be a daunting task for families, often accompanied by emotional turmoil. If you want to make things as easy as possible for your loved ones after you’re gone, you need to […]

Filed Under: Probate

Financial Powers Of Attorney (POA) And Living Trust Compared Side By Side

March 23, 2026 by Jill Santiago

When building an estate plan, two documents come up again and again: the financial power of attorney and the living trust. On the surface they can seem to overlap, since both allow someone else to manage your assets when you cannot. But they work very differently, serve distinct purposes, and in most well-designed estate plans, […]

Filed Under: Living Trust, Power of Attorney, Trustee

When Spring Arrives With Grief

March 16, 2026 by Jill Santiago

I love spring. The air grows warm, the days stretch longer, and the earth wakes up in every shade of green. There is something genuinely hopeful about it. But spring also carries a quiet sadness for me. I lost my spouse six years ago in April. To this day, the way the morning light comes […]

Filed Under: Beneficiary Designations, Jill's Story, Single Women

When Is Probate NOT Necessary In Rhode Island?

February 20, 2026 by Jill Santiago

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

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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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