Estate Planning Attorney in Rhode Island & Massachusetts

Jill M. Santiago Law Offices
(401) 307-5556
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Are My Funeral Arrangements/Plans Included In My Will?

May 19, 2026 by Jill Santiago

Are your funeral arrangements in will documents legally binding? Learn why these wishes might not be followed and how to secure your plans with a better strateg

Filed Under: Family in Estate Planning, Funeral Planning, Probate, Trusts, Wills Tagged With: Body Donation, Burial Insurance, Estate Planning Documents, Fiduciary Duties, Funeral Expenses, Funeral Planning, Funeral Trusts, Last Will and Testament, Personal Representatives, Prepaid Funeral Plans

If I Add My Child To My Bank Account, Does That Solve Estate Planning?

April 6, 2026 by Jill Santiago

Is adding child to bank account enough for estate planning? Learn about probate avoidance, hidden risks like creditors, and better alternatives like living trus

Filed Under: Beneficiary Designations, estate planning wills and trusts, Family in Estate Planning, Living Trust, Probate Tagged With: Beneficiary Designations, Estate Planning Documents, Gift Tax Implications, Joint Account Creditor Risks, Joint Bank Accounts, Last Will and Testament, Payable-on-Death Accounts, Probate Avoidance, Revocable and Irrevocable Trusts, Rhode Island Estates

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

April 6, 2026 by Jill Santiago

Does having a will avoid probate for your family? Learn why a will alone does not skip the probate process and explore estate planning tools that actually do.

Filed Under: Beneficiary Designations, estate planning wills and trusts, Living Trust, Probate, Wills Tagged With: Beneficiary Designations, Financial Powers of Attorney, Healthcare Powers of Attorney, Joint Property Ownership, Last Will and Testament, Personal Representatives, Pour-Over Wills, Probate Avoidance, Revocable and Irrevocable Trusts, Trust Funding

When Spring Arrives With Grief

March 16, 2026 by Jill Santiago

Losing a spouse brings profound grief and complex legal tasks. Learn about probate deadlines, death certificates, and how to find support during this time.

Filed Under: Beneficiary Designations, Jill's Story, Loss of Spouse, Probate, Single Women Tagged With: Death Certificates, Estate Planning Documents, Estate Tax Returns, Grief Support, Inheritance Disclaimers, Last Will and Testament, Personal Representatives, Probate Deadlines, Rhode Island Estates, Spousal Loss

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

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

Why Outdated Beneficiary Designations Can Wreck Your Estate Plan

August 25, 2025 by Jill Santiago

When people think about estate planning, wills and trusts often come to mind first. But there is a simple tool that can make a big difference in ensuring your assets pass smoothly to your loved ones: beneficiary designations. A beneficiary designation is a simple way to name who will receive a particular asset when you […]

Filed Under: Beneficiary Designations, Probate

What Is a Testamentary Trust and How Does It Work?

June 9, 2025 by Jill Santiago

When it comes to estate planning, you’ve probably heard of wills and living trusts—but what about testamentary trusts? If you’re looking for a way to provide for your loved ones while maintaining some control over how your assets are distributed, a testamentary trust might be a great option. So, what exactly is a testamentary trust, […]

Filed Under: Family in Estate Planning, Getting Started, Probate, Wills

How To Use Power Of Attorney to Avoid Guardianship

May 26, 2025 by Jill Santiago

Adults who are no longer able to handle their finances or make healthcare decisions for themselves are set up for “living probate,” which refers to a guardianship or conservatorship. In simpler terms, you want to avoid guardianship for the same reason you want to avoid probate. The real situation you want to prevent while you […]

Filed Under: Emergency Estate Planning, Guardianship, Probate

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

April 22, 2025 by Jill Santiago

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 probate process plays into the […]

Filed Under: Probate

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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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