About Canaan Suitt, J.D.
Canaan Suitt received his J.D. from William & Mary Law School. After serving as a senior editor for the law school’s comparative law blog, he was a staff member of the William & Mary Environmental Law and Policy Review (ELPR). As a legal intern at the National Center for State Courts, he assisted in international rule of law projects and policy review; as a research assistant, he studied political dynamics in the U.S. federal judiciary. His articles on law and philosophy have been published in the ELPR as well as the academic journal Dewey Studies. He loves using his background in research and writing to make legal information accessible. Canaan currently writes for SuperLawyers.com. In his free time, he enjoys reading, travel, and being a cat dad.
Articles written by Canaan Suitt, J.D.
Different Types of Wills
A last will and testament is a core legal document of any estate plan. The person who makes a will is called the testator. Through the will, the testator makes their final wishes known and directs how their estate should be distributed when they die. Estate assets include real estate, personal property, and financial assets such as bank accounts. Without a will, your estate will be distributed through your state’s intestate succession laws. Generally, state laws distribute assets …
What Makes a Will Valid?
A will is a legal document that makes your final wishes known and makes a plan for how your estate will be distributed when you die. Having a will gives peace of mind to yourself and loved ones. Fortunately, wills are not difficult to create. "Though state laws vary, there are some basic requirements that are fairly universal,” says Robert Will, an estate and trust litigation lawyer at Lewis Rice in Saint Louis, Missouri. This article will explain the basic …
What Happens if You Die Without a Will?
When someone close passes away, there is a long list of decisions to be made and tasks to be completed in managing their affairs. Wills are created to assist loved ones in making some of these decisions. Dying without a will means you have very limited input into how your property gets distributed when you die or how your loved ones are financially provided for. State law will step in and make those decisions for you. “Do it,” urges estate planning lawyer Anita Rosenbloom of McDermott …
What Is the Difference Between a Will and a Trust?
You might think that only wealthy individuals have an estate. But an estate simply consists of the property you own. Estate assets include real estate, personal property, bank accounts, stocks, retirement accounts, and life insurance policies. So, if you own property, you have an estate. An estate plan prepares for end-of-life matters and what to do with your estate when you die. While planning for what happens after death may be uncomfortable, it ultimately gives greater peace …
Is Getting a Will Worth It?
Everyone has an estate, regardless of how big or small it is. An estate includes any property you own, including real estate, bank accounts, retirement accounts, and life insurance policies. “A will is one of the legal documents that disposes of your estate when you die. It also sets the terms under which people are going to inherit,” says Jeremy D. Rachlin, an estate planning attorney at Bulman, Dunie, Burke, & Feld in Bethesda, Maryland. Many Americans don't have a will, despite …
What Is the Difference Between a Living Will and a Will?
Despite sounding the same, a will and a living will are very different documents in an estate plan, says Maryland estate planning attorney Jeremy D. Rachlin. “‘Will’ is short for ‘last will and testament.’ It's a legal document that governs the post-death distribution of assets. A living will, by contrast, is a document that commonly deals with end-of-life medical treatment such as medical intervention to expand my life under certain conditions.” In other words, a will focuses …
Can I Draft a Will Without a Lawyer?
Having a last will and testament is important for several reasons: It makes your final wishes known It names a guardian for minor children It directs how your property will be distributed when you die It gives your loved ones clarity and helps avoid probate disputes It appoints a personal representative to protect your estate’s best interests Perhaps most importantly, having a will gives you peace of mind that your loved ones will be provided for when …
How Do I Maintain My Trademark Registration?
Branding matters in the modern business world, making trademarks one of the most valuable forms of intellectual property. A trademark is a symbol, word, or phrase that serves as a source signifier. To protect your company’s service mark, you can register it with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). Maintaining your trademark registration can become complicated and time-consuming. As with most legal matters, it is best to consult with an experienced trademark lawyer before …
Should I Register My Trademark?
Brand recognition is crucial for today’s businesses. Logos and other distinctive marks help consumers identify one business from another. It’s essential for your business to protect these marks. Otherwise, a competitor may be tempted to use them, confusing consumers and taking business away. Because they identify and distinguish a brand, trademarks are important for entrepreneurs and small business owners to consider when establishing their company name. For legal help with trademarks, …
What Are the Steps To Getting a Trademark?
To get a trademark, do a search to see if it is available and file an application with the filing fee to show your intent to use the mark in commerce. Do a goods and services clearance search when filing a USPTO application, with the right class selection and specimen of use to show how the trademark filing would work. The examining attorney reviews the TEAS filing basis for a registration certificate or issues an office action for any problems. Talk to a trademark attorney about timelines, …
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