Jill M. Santiago Law Offices

Estate Planning Attorney in Rhode Island & Massachusetts

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Blog

Blog

Estate Planning Tips, Tricks, and Breaking News

Selling vs. Keeping Inherited Properties: What to Consider During Probate

Selling vs. Keeping Inherited Properties: What to Consider During Probate

Jill Santiago – April 22, 2025
Inheriting real estate can be both a financial opportunity and a potential source of stress—especially when multiple heirs are involved. Deciding whether to keep or sell the property depends on a variety of legal, financial, and emotional factors. Below, we explore the pros and cons of each option, how the...
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After My Living Trust is Set Up, How Long Until It’s Funded?

After My Living Trust is Set Up, How Long Until It’s Funded?

Heath Rost – April 5, 2025
A living trust is an excellent tool for estate planning. Think of it like a treasure chest - we build it and provide you with a couple of keys to the lock. But an empty treasure chest is essentially worthless. The same can be said for an unfunded living trust....
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Why Spring Is the Perfect Time to Review Your Estate Plan

Why Spring Is the Perfect Time to Review Your Estate Plan

Jill Santiago – March 10, 2025
Life is constantly changing—marriages, births, new investments, retirement, and even changes in tax laws can impact your estate plan. If you haven’t reviewed your documents in a while, now is the perfect time to make sure they still reflect your wishes. Estate Plan Spring Cleaning Checklist by Jill M. Santiago,...
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Why Writing An Estate Plan On Your Death Bed Is A Bad Idea

Why Writing An Estate Plan On Your Death Bed Is A Bad Idea

Jill Santiago – March 10, 2025
We all know life can be unpredictable. Estate planning isn’t exactly at the top of most people’s to-do lists, and it’s easy to put off making a will—until time starts running out. This is where deathbed wills come in—wills that are created at the very last moment, often in stressful,...
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How To Help Your Parents With Their Estate Planning The Right Way

How To Help Your Parents With Their Estate Planning The Right Way

Jill Santiago – February 24, 2025
Let's be real, talking about estate planning with your parents can be…awkward. But it’s also super important. You want to make sure they're taken care of and that their wishes are honored, right? So, how do you navigate this tricky topic? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered. Here’s a down-to-earth...
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Wills Vs. Trusts Compared Side By Side

Wills Vs. Trusts Compared Side By Side

Jill Santiago – February 10, 2025
Wills and trusts the two most common tools used in estate planning to ensure your assets are distributed according to your wishes. While both serve the fundamental purpose of passing on wealth and protecting your loved ones, these documents function in different ways and offer distinct advantages. Understanding the key...
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Procrastination vs. Preparation: The Financial and Emotional Costs of Putting Off Estate Planning

Procrastination vs. Preparation: The Financial and Emotional Costs of Putting Off Estate Planning

Jill Santiago – January 27, 2025
People put off estate planning for many different reasons. Some may not want to think about the inevitable future of getting older and passing away. But for most people, it is just plain old procrastination. When it comes to estate planning, the consequences of procrastination can be severe, potentially leading...
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How To Make An Estate Plan For Couples In Second (Or Third) Marriages

How To Make An Estate Plan For Couples In Second (Or Third) Marriages

Jill Santiago – January 13, 2025
Congrats if you're getting married! In the U.S., four out of ten marriages involve at least one person who has been married before. Second (or third) marriages come with unique challenges, mainly concerning finances and blended families. Estate planning for couples in second (or third!) marriages requires additional planning to...
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How to Determine Mental Capacity for a Will or Estate Plan?

How to Determine Mental Capacity for a Will or Estate Plan?

Jill Santiago – December 2, 2024
Estate planning is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your legacy and provide for your loved ones. Yet, far too often, people delay creating or updating their estate plans until they are well into their later years. While it’s never too late to plan, waiting...
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Can I Leave Money to My Church When I Die?

Can I Leave Money to My Church When I Die?

Jill Santiago – November 18, 2024
As the season of giving approaches, many people reflect on how they can make a lasting impact on the causes that matter most to them. For some, this includes leaving a gift to their church or a cherished organization as part of their estate planning. Thoughtful planning allows you to...
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Should I Transfer My House To My Child While I Am Still Alive?

Should I Transfer My House To My Child While I Am Still Alive?

Jill Santiago – November 4, 2024
When creating an estate plan, many clients ask whether transferring their property to their children while they’re still alive is a smart decision. The answer is “it depends.” Making this transfer can have lasting impacts—both positive and negative—on family dynamics, finances, and estate planning. So, without further ado, let’s dive...
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Does a Living Trust Protect Assets from a Nursing Home in Rhode Island?

Does a Living Trust Protect Assets from a Nursing Home in Rhode Island?

Jill Santiago – October 24, 2024
Nursing homes are really expensive and it is no wonder people are terrified about how to pay for long term care. The fear is not misplaced. The average nursing home will cost you about $10,000 per month. The average nursing home stay is 18 months. For the majority of Americans,...
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How NOT to Work with an Estate Planning Attorney: The Halloween Edition 

How NOT to Work with an Estate Planning Attorney: The Halloween Edition 

Jill Santiago – October 7, 2024
Estate planning may not seem like a Halloween horror story, but ignoring the essentials can haunt you later. Working effectively with your attorney is key to keeping the skeletons out of your financial closet and protecting your loved ones. Here are some frightening mistakes you should avoid when working with...
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How Can I Split Assets Among My Children In My Estate Plan So They Don’t Fight?

How Can I Split Assets Among My Children In My Estate Plan So They Don’t Fight?

Jill Santiago – September 23, 2024
Nobody likes to think about what will happen after they’re gone, but planning ahead can save your family a lot of heartache. One of the biggest concerns for parents is making sure their children don’t end up fighting over inheritance. Money and possessions can bring out strong emotions, and even...
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Everything You Need To Know About Setting Up An Educational Trust For Your Grandchildren

Everything You Need To Know About Setting Up An Educational Trust For Your Grandchildren

Jill Santiago – September 9, 2024
We all want the best for our grandkids. Americans are often in a better financial position later in life to help our youth finance their education. Wouldn’t it be amazing to send the grandkids off to college with a suitcase full of cash? However, most of us need to take...
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Three Reasons Why You Want to Avoid Probate For Your Estate

Three Reasons Why You Want to Avoid Probate For Your Estate

Jill Santiago – August 19, 2024
The short definition of probate is: “Probate is the court action that changes the title of assets from a deceased person to the beneficiaries or heirs.” Whether or not someone leaves a will, probate is often necessary. It is a common misconception that creating a will, or holding assets jointly,...
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Rhode Island Probate vs. Trust Administration Compared Side By Side

Rhode Island Probate vs. Trust Administration Compared Side By Side

Jill Santiago – August 5, 2024 – 1 Reply
Do you need a will, or do you need a trust? Confused about the difference? The major difference is probate - which is the court process that applies to a person’s estate whether they leave a will or not. When it comes to estate planning, understanding the difference between probate...
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Who Are The 5 Actors (Roles) In A Living Trust?  And Why They’re Important to Understand Before Sitting Down With Your Estate Planning Attorney

Who Are The 5 Actors (Roles) In A Living Trust?  And Why They’re Important to Understand Before Sitting Down With Your Estate Planning Attorney

Jill Santiago – July 22, 2024
Imagine a living trust as a well-directed play, with each person involved acting a crucial role to ensure everything runs smoothly. As an estate planning attorney, I often find that explaining these roles as "actors" in a play helps clients understand their responsibilities and importance. Let's meet the main actors...
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What To Do If You Suspect A Trustee Is Being Dishonest?

What To Do If You Suspect A Trustee Is Being Dishonest?

Jill Santiago – July 8, 2024
A living trust is a common estate planning tool. When creating your trust, one of the most important choices you'll make is who will serve as your trustee. In most cases, at the time you create your living trust, you will be your own trustee for as long as you...
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Creating a Comprehensive Estate Plan as a Rhode Island-Florida Snowbird 

Creating a Comprehensive Estate Plan as a Rhode Island-Florida Snowbird 

Jill Santiago – June 17, 2024
Let’s face it. New England winters are harsh! As the chill of winter sets in, many Rhode Islanders migrate to warmer climates, spending the warm months up north, and the cold ones down south. We refer to them as “Snowbirds.” A Snowbird is somebody who leaves their colder, full-time residence...
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