Welcome to the Vander Laan Law Firm, LLC blog. Your resource for insights on estate planning and probate in Minden, Carson City, and beyond. Here, we share practical guidance, legal updates, and tips to help you plan for your future with confidence.

Senior Woman Signing Documents in Her Home

When to Update a Living Trust in Nevada

Your estate plan is more than just paperwork; it reflects your life, your relationships, and your wishes. A typical estate plan includes a Will, Durable Power of Attorney, Healthcare Power of Attorney, Living Will, and Advance Directives. For many pe… Read More
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Categories: Estate Planning
hand of business people sign contract with justice hummer on table

What Are the Steps in Nevada Probate

Probate is the legal process of administering a person’s estate after their death. It involves opening an estate, appointing a personal representative, taking an inventory of estate assets, paying legally enforceable debts and taxes, distributing t… Read More
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Categories: Probate
Happy parents and their children visual concept for a blog discussing estate planning for children.

Guardianship of Minor Children - Estate Planning Considerations

For many families, the birth of a child is a strong motivation to create an estate plan. Of course, parents hope they will have long, fulfilling lives and will be around to watch their children grow and mature into adulthood. However, estate planning… Read More
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Categories: Estate Planning
The Probate Process: Legal Management of Property and Estate After Death. Visual concept for a blog discussing the documents needed for probate.

What Documents Do I Need for Probate?

When a loved one passes away, a nominated personal representative, or if there is no will, a family member or trusted friend must open probate to oversee the payment of outstanding debts and distribute the remaining assets and property to the decease… Read More
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Categories: Probate
Image of a caring older mother and her adult son. Visual concept for a blog discussing the differences between power of attorney and guardianship.

What's the Difference Between Power of Attorney and Guardianship?

Guardianship vs. Power of Attorney: Choosing the Right Legal Protection A guardianship and a power of attorney are legal tools that can be used to help manage the affairs of someone who lacks the legal capacity to make decisions on their own. However… Read More
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Categories: Estate Planning
Older couple reviewing their estate planning document with an attorney. Visual concept for a blog that explains the Nevada probate process.

Nevada Probate Process: A Comprehensive Guide

Losing a loved one is never easy, and navigating what comes next can feel overwhelming. Understanding Nevada’s probate process is an important step towards settling your loved one’s affairs with clarity and confidence. The time and complexity inv… Read More
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Categories: Probate
Portrait of a multi-generation family spending time at home. Visual concept for a Estate planning blog discussing life factors.

Important Life Factors to Consider When it Comes to Creating Your Estate Plan

While estate planning is often associated with the elderly or seriously ill, anyone can benefit from a comprehensive estate plan, particularly if you have children, substantial assets, or operate a business. This complex and nuanced area of the law i… Read More
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Categories: Estate Planning
Attorney reviewing paperwork for a client who's parent died intestate. Visual concept for a blog discussing the impact of dying intestate and how a will can simplify asset distribution in Nevada.

Why Estate Planning Matters: The Consequences of Not Having a Will

Estate planning is the process of deciding what to do with your assets when you pass away and, if you have minor children, recommending who will be their legal guardian. Estate planning is for everyone, and anyone over the age of 18 should consider p… Read More
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Categories: Estate Planning, Probate
Mother and daughter sitting on couch are mourning the passing of a loved one. Visual concept for an estate planning blog discussing what to do after a loved one dies.

Essential Checklist: What to Do After a Spouse or Parent Passes Away

Losing a spouse, partner, or parent can be a devastating and overwhelming experience filled with grief, confusion, and a sense of loss. In the midst of processing your emotions, you may also find that you need to open an estate and decide what to do… Read More
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Categories: Estate Planning
A thoughtful mature woman. Visual concept for a estate planning blog discussing planning for incapacity and health decisions.

Planning for Incapacity: Who Will Make Legal and Healthcare Decisions When I Can’t?

When most people think of “estate planning,” they think of preparing a Will or trust to dispose of their assets when they die. You may be surprised to learn that a properly prepared estate plan should address more than just who will receive your… Read More
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Categories: Estate Planning