Tunnell & Raysor, P.A.Tunnell & Raysor, P.A.2026-10-15T19:41:13Zhttps://www.tunnellraysor.com/feed/atom/WordPress/wp-content/uploads/sites/1605176/2022/04/cropped-favicon-32x32.pngOn Behalf of Tunnell & Raysor, P.A.<![CDATA[Tips for first-time home buyers: Protecting yourself from costly mistakes]]>https://www.tunnellraysor.com/?p=490682026-10-15T19:41:13Z2026-10-15T19:41:13Z your first home is an exciting milestone, but it can also feel overwhelming. Without experience in real estate transactions, it is common for first-time buyers to worry about missing warning signs of a bigger problem when negotiating the purchase of a home. Understanding what to look for and which questions to ask will help you navigate this process with confidence.
Know what to inspect before you buy
A thorough home inspection is your best defense against purchasing a property with hidden problems. While hiring a professional inspector is wise, it is also beneficial to know what areas deserve your attention. This can help you to ask better questions and understand the inspection report.Areas that often deserve a closer look due to their potential for large expense if something is wrong include:
Foundation cracks or signs of water damage in the basement
Roof condition and estimated remaining lifespan
Electrical panel age and capacity for modern appliances
Plumbing functionality and water pressure throughout the home
HVAC system age and maintenance records
These systems represent the most expensive potential repairs. A home might look beautiful on the surface, but outdated or failing infrastructure can cost tens of thousands of dollars to replace. If possible, attend your inspection and ask the inspector to explain any concerns in detail.
Protect yourself during negotiations
Sellers and their agents often have more experience than you do, which can create an imbalanced negotiation. However, several strategies will level the playing field and help to better ensure you are making informed decisions. Examples that can help include:
Hire your own team of professionals who represents your interests exclusively
If getting financing, get pre-approved before making offers to strengthen your position
Consider including inspection and financing contingencies in the offer
Your agent and legal team works for you and should prioritize your best interests over closing the deal quickly. Do not feel pressured to remove protective contingencies just to make your offer more attractive. These safeguards exist to help better ensure buyers enter negotiations with the information they need to make informed decisions.
Moving forward with confidence
Purchasing your first home does not have to be a stressful experience filled with second-guessing. By educating yourself about what to inspect, hiring professionals who represent your interests and refusing to skip important protective steps, you put yourself in a strong negotiating position. Remember that walking away from a problematic property is often better than buying someone else's expensive problems. Take your time, ask questions and trust your instincts throughout this important journey.]]>On Behalf of Tunnell & Raysor, P.A.<![CDATA[Why a cheap online DIY will could disinherit your loved ones in Delaware]]>https://www.tunnellraysor.com/?p=490372026-09-28T10:06:54Z2026-09-28T10:06:54ZDelaware will formalities and common pitfalls
Generic internet forms may fail to comply with complex state estate planning statutes. Local probate officers strictly enforce execution rules when individuals attempt to submit generic templates after a person dies. The following legal errors regularly cause generic templates to fail:
Witness execution requirements: Delaware law mandates that two credible witnesses must sign the will in the testator's physical presence. Cheap downloadable templates might provide vague instructions, which can lead to improper witnessing and may invalidate the document. Without proper witness verification, local courts cannot honor the distribution requests in a will.
Self-proving affidavits: State law allows testators to attach a notarized self-proving affidavit to help streamline the probate process. Generic online platforms may omit this optional sworn statement, potentially forcing grieving families to track down witnesses years later during administrative proceedings. Locating former witnesses decades after signing often creates substantial delays and unnecessary financial expense for heirs.
Spousal elective shares: State statutes protect surviving spouses by granting them an absolute entitlement to one-third of the elective estate. Standard online generators can fail to account for this mandatory statutory protection, which might spark family disputes during asset distribution. Ignoring these automatic statutory rights can cause severe friction among named beneficiaries and disinherited partners.
The Register of Wills routinely rejects noncompliant legal documents during probate. Rejected filings can force families into expensive, lengthier litigation within the Court of Chancery.
Protecting your estate's legacy
Protecting your legacy requires thoughtful strategy, and proper estate planning can provide security by establishing customized structures tailored to your family dynamics. By seeking legal advice, you may better manage the complexities of having a will. In addition, having legal guidance may help you preserve family relationships and help ensure that your actual wishes govern the final distribution of your life's work.]]>On Behalf of Tunnell & Raysor, P.A.<![CDATA[Can a normal CT scan rule out a traumatic brain injury?]]>https://www.tunnellraysor.com/?p=490212026-09-16T08:34:26Z2026-09-16T08:34:26ZHow does a CT scan work?
A CT scan uses X-ray technology to create detailed images of the brain. Doctors rely on it to detect bleeding, swelling or skull fractures. It is fast and readily available in emergency rooms across Delaware. For identifying serious structural damage, it is highly effective. However, some injuries are not immediately visible at the time of the scan.
Can a CT scan miss a traumatic brain injury?
A CT scan frequently misses mild traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), including concussions. It also fails to detect diffuse axonal injuries, which occur when nerve fibers stretch and tear throughout the brain. These injuries affect brain function rather than visible brain structure. Since CT scans only reveal structural damage, a scan can appear completely normal while a serious injury still exists.
What symptoms can appear after a normal scan?
Even after receiving a clear CT scan result, certain symptoms still signal a TBI. These include the following:
Persistent headaches
Memory loss
Mood changes
Fatigue
Difficulty concentrating
Disrupted sleep
Many of these symptoms develop hours or even days after an accident. An MRI or a full neurological evaluation can often detect what a CT scan cannot.
How does Delaware treat TBI claims?
Delaware law allows injured individuals to seek compensation when another party's negligence causes harm. Victims generally have two years from the date of injury to file a personal injury claim. A delayed TBI diagnosis does not necessarily eliminate your right to pursue a case. Delaware courts also apply comparative fault rules that consider each party's degree of responsibility.
Why does a missed TBI matter in a legal case?
Insurance companies often use a normal CT scan to dispute injury claims. Their argument is simple: a clear scan means no injury occurred. However, this reasoning is not accurate. Thorough medical records, symptom documentation and specialist evaluations can effectively help counter this argument.
When symptoms continue after a normal CT scan
Getting a clear scan does not always mean the brain escaped injury. Symptoms that linger after an accident deserve serious medical attention. Paying attention to ongoing symptoms can help you understand the full impact of an injury after an accident.]]>On Behalf of Tunnell & Raysor, P.A.<![CDATA[What happens to your will after a divorce in Delaware?]]>https://www.tunnellraysor.com/?p=490192026-08-12T15:20:47Z2026-08-12T15:20:47ZWhat does the law change automatically?
Under Section 209, divorce or annulment generally revokes parts of your will that leave property to a former spouse or give that person certain powers or roles, such as executor, trustee or guardian. The rule does not apply if the document specifically says otherwise.
For those affected parts of the will, the law generally treats your former spouse as though they died before you. The law specifically addresses the former spouse, so a gift to a former in-law is not automatically revoked under this rule.
What parts of your estate plan may still need review?
Section 209 applies to wills, but some assets, including life insurance, retirement accounts and certain bank accounts, may pass through separate beneficiary designations or account terms. After divorce, you may want to review:
Beneficiary designations on life insurance, retirement and payable-on-death accounts
Powers of attorney and healthcare directives
Trusts or other documents that name your former spouse
Reviewing these documents does not mean every designation must change. It can help you identify anything that no longer matches your intentions.
Why your estate plan may still need updates after divorce
Divorce may change parts of your will automatically, but the overall estate plan can still contain choices you made while married. Reviewing the documents together can help you identify names or instructions that no longer reflect your wishes. A Delaware estate planning attorney can explain what the law has already changed and which wills, beneficiary designations or other documents may still require your attention.]]>On Behalf of Tunnell & Raysor, P.A.<![CDATA[4 estate planning misconceptions that leave seniors unprepared]]>https://www.tunnellraysor.com/?p=490122026-07-02T14:22:25Z2026-07-02T14:22:25ZSeniors know estate planning is important, yet it remains on the list of things to do "someday." Estate planning is about more than passing property to loved ones. It also gives you an opportunity to protect your wishes, prepare for the unexpected and make life easier for the people who may one day need to act on your behalf. Understanding a few common myths may help you feel more confident about taking the next step.
1. "It's too late to start estate planning"
Many older adults delay estate planning because they assume the opportunity has already passed. They may worry the process will be too complicated or believe there is little benefit in creating a plan later in life. In reality, waiting even longer often creates more risks than getting started now.As long as you have the legal capacity to make decisions, you can create or update an estate plan. Delaying, however, increases the chance that a sudden illness or cognitive decline could leave loved ones making important decisions without clear guidance. Planning now allows you, rather than a court or uncertain family members, to determine who should manage your affairs and carry out your wishes if the unexpected happens.
2. "A will is all I need"
A will is an important part of many estate plans, but it addresses only one piece of the puzzle. Estate planning also considers what happens if you become unable to make financial or medical decisions during your lifetime.Additional planning documents may allow trusted individuals to act on your behalf when necessary and provide guidance about your preferences. Without those documents, family members may face delays, uncertainty or legal hurdles during an already stressful time. Looking beyond a will can help you prepare for life's uncertainties, not only what happens after your death.
3. "My family already knows what I want"
Many seniors trust that their children or other loved ones understand their wishes. While those conversations are valuable, verbal discussions may not prevent disagreements when emotions run high.Family members sometimes remember conversations differently or have conflicting views about what you intended. Putting your wishes into legally recognized documents removes much of the guesswork. It provides clearer direction, helps reduce misunderstandings and can ease the burden on loved ones who may otherwise struggle to make difficult decisions without knowing exactly what you wanted.
4. "Once I finish my estate plan, I'm done forever"
Estate planning is not something you complete once and never revisit. Your family, finances and priorities can change significantly over time.The birth of grandchildren, the loss of a spouse, changes in your health or major financial decisions may all affect whether your existing documents still reflect your wishes. Even if life seems relatively stable, reviewing your estate plan every few years can help identify outdated information before it creates unnecessary complications. A plan offers the greatest peace of mind when it continues to match your life as it exists today.The longer these misconceptions go unchallenged, the easier it becomes to delay planning altogether.
Planning ahead means protecting more than your assets
Estate planning is ultimately about preserving your ability to make important decisions while you still can. It gives you the opportunity to reduce uncertainty, provide clear direction and spare your loved ones from making difficult choices without knowing your wishes. Because every family's circumstances are different, an experienced Delaware estate planning attorney can help you understand your options and create or update a plan that reflects your goals and priorities.]]>On Behalf of Tunnell & Raysor, P.A.<![CDATA[What damages can you recover in a wrongful death case in Delaware?]]>https://www.tunnellraysor.com/?p=490112026-06-18T11:56:52Z2026-06-18T11:56:52ZEconomic damages you may pursue
Economic damages represent the financial losses your family has suffered due to your loved one's death. These are usually easier to calculate because they involve actual dollar amounts.
You may be able to recover medical expenses that you paid before your loved one passed away. This includes emergency room visits, hospital stays, surgeries and any other treatment related to the fatal injury. Wrongful death claims can also include funeral and burial costs, though Delaware law limits this specific recovery to a statutory cap of $7,000.
Lost income is another important part. If your loved one was working and bringing money into the household, you could seek payment for the wages and benefits they would have earned throughout their expected lifetime. This also includes the value of services they provided, such as childcare or household maintenance.
Non-economic damages available to families
Non-economic damages address the intangible losses that accompany the loss of a family member. While these are harder to quantify, they represent very real suffering.
Loss of companionship and consortium are significant considerations in Delaware wrongful death cases. This includes the emotional support, guidance, love and relationship you shared with the deceased. For children who lost a parent, this might include the loss of the parental guidance and nurturing they would have received.
While you cannot recover damages for your loved one's pre-death pain and suffering through a wrongful death claim, you may recover them by filing a separate legal action called a survival action. Additionally, some families may pursue compensation for their own mental anguish and emotional distress resulting from the loss.
Delaware law specifies who can file a wrongful death claim and receive these damages. In Delaware, the surviving family members (such as the spouse, children, parents, or siblings) file the wrongful death lawsuit directly for their own benefit, rather than the personal representative of the estate. Every wrongful death case is unique, and the damages available depend on your specific circumstances and the details of how your loved one passed away. Understanding your legal options is essential.]]>On Behalf of Tunnell & Raysor, P.A.<![CDATA[Buying a Delaware beach home from out of state? Check these first]]>https://www.tunnellraysor.com/?p=490042026-05-26T12:56:36Z2026-05-26T12:56:36ZA beach home in Delaware can look like a smart getaway, retirement plan or long-term investment. When you live in another state, though, it can be harder to spot local issues before you sign. A house near the water may come with rules, costs and risks that do not always stand out during a weekend showing.
Before making the purchase, it helps to slow down and review the details that can affect how you use the property after closing.
Review the contract before deadlines pass
The purchase agreement controls key parts of the deal. It may set deadlines for inspections, financing, title review, deposits and settlement. Missing one date can limit your options if a problem comes up later.Out-of-state buyers should pay close attention to:
Inspection rights: How long you have to inspect the home and respond to problems
Financing terms: What happens if your loan approval changes
Settlement date: Whether the closing timeline works with your travel plans
Deposit terms: When your earnest money may be at risk
Repair language: How the seller promises will be handled before closing
These details can matter even more when you are not nearby to handle last-minute questions in person.
Look closely at disclosures and inspections
Delaware law requires many residential sellers to disclose known material defects before settlement. The state’s Buyer Property Protection Act also states that the disclosure form becomes part of the purchase agreement once both parties sign it.Still, a disclosure is not the same as an inspection. A seller may not know about every issue, especially in an older coastal property. Buyers should review known material defects alongside inspection reports, repair estimates and insurance concerns.For beach homes, it may also be worth asking about drainage, roof age, foundation issues, past storm damage, flood risk, rental restrictions and homeowners’ association rules.
Check title, access and local limits
A clean-looking listing does not always mean the legal side is simple. Title issues, easements, shared driveways, private roads or old restrictions can affect what you can do with the property. Some buyers also discover limits on short-term rentals, renovations or additions only after they have already invested time and money.A local review of key issues in real estate transactions can help identify problems before closing. This can be especially useful if you are buying from another state and relying on remote updates.
Know what you need before making an offer
Before making an offer, it is helpful to decide what would change your mind about the property. That may include inspection findings, flood insurance costs, rental limits, repair needs or title concerns. Put those concerns in writing early so your contract, inspection and title review deadlines do not pass before you act.A Delaware beach home can be a good purchase, but distance makes preparation more important. The next step is to gather the contract, disclosures, inspection reports and title documents, then review them before your rights under the agreement start to expire.]]>On Behalf of Tunnell & Raysor, P.A.<![CDATA[Why does the seller’s disclosure matter in a home sale?]]>https://www.tunnellraysor.com/?p=489972026-04-27T10:50:49Z2026-04-27T10:50:49ZDecoding the disclosure
The Seller’s Disclosure of Real Property Condition Report lists everything they know about the home’s history and current condition. They declare known issues related to various aspects of the property, which include:
Roof leaks and past flooding
Functionality of plumbing and electrical systems
Presence of environmental hazards
History of pest infestations
Boundary disputes and transactions with the Homeowners Association
While the document promotes transparency, it is essential to remember that it is a "good faith" statement of the seller’s current knowledge, not a comprehensive warranty.
Leveraging Delaware disclosure laws
The Delaware Buyer Property Protection Act mandates sellers to provide you with a written disclosure. They must accomplish this before you sign the contract of sale.
You might be wondering about the truthfulness of the disclosure. If you discover a major issue after closing, you may sue the seller for fraud or misrepresentation. However, you have the burden to prove that the seller knew about the issue and intentionally hid it from you.
Your recourse when honesty fails
Discovering a latent defect after moving in can feel like a profound breach of trust. You deserve to have a transaction built in good faith, but going after the seller can be overwhelming. Because these forms can be legally dense and the stakes are your life savings, seeking legal counsel is wise.]]>On Behalf of Tunnell & Raysor, P.A.<![CDATA[3 essential estate planning tools to consider]]>https://www.tunnellraysor.com/?p=489812026-03-25T09:12:50Z2026-03-25T09:00:01ZLiving will
In Delaware, any adult who is at least 18 years old and of sound mind can create a living will. This document provides its owners with the opportunity to leave health care directives about their potential incapacity.
With a valid living will, people can take control of their own life-sustaining treatments and end-of-life care decisions, as well as provide their consent to organ and tissue donation should they pass away.
Gift giving
When people give away their assets as gifts while they are still alive, they can decrease their estate size, which also lowers their estate taxes. Since they have transferred their property’s ownership rights to their chosen heirs, they also remove these properties from their will.
For instance, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has announced a $19,000 per recipient gift tax exclusion for the year 2026. This opportunity allows both single people and married couples ($38,000) to gift assets to their family multiple times a year, tax-free.
Living trust
Assets placed in a living trust can carry specific distribution instructions for their designated beneficiaries. These can include real estate property, personal property, bank accounts and business interests.
Since the trust legally owns these specific assets, they do not count as part of the owner’s estate and therefore do not require probate.
With careful planning, individuals can become more aligned with their goals
With the right guidance, people can enhance their estate plans and establish their financial goals for the future, while also minimizing their estate taxes and safeguarding their right to be treated by their doctors with dignity in the event of incapacity.]]>On Behalf of Tunnell & Raysor, P.A.<![CDATA[4 estate planning questions that help you plan ahead]]>https://www.tunnellraysor.com/?p=489752026-02-16T11:30:01Z2026-02-16T11:30:01ZEstate planning often brings up discomfort, and sometimes confusion. Many people worry that starting the process means expecting the worst or creating tension within their family. In reality, most plans begin with simple questions about responsibility, protection and peace of mind. Understanding how state rules affect estates can make those conversations feel more practical and less intimidating.
Below are four estate planning questions people commonly ask when they begin thinking seriously about the future.
1. What goals should my estate plan actually accomplish?
In Delaware, probate follows formal court procedures, which means unclear or incomplete plans can slow the process. Defining your goals early helps ensure your estate plan reflects your priorities rather than leaving everything to default rules.Your personal goals often arise from important life considerations. You might want to make sure young children are cared for if something happens unexpectedly, ensure a spouse can continue living in the family home or clarify how assets should be shared among blended families. Some people focus on avoiding disagreements between siblings or preparing for situations where a family member might become unable to manage finances or make medical decisions. Thinking through these scenarios first helps create a plan that addresses your family’s unique needs and reduces uncertainty in stressful moments..
2. Which documents do I need to meet those goals?
Once you understand your goals, the next step is making sure your estate plan can handle real-life situations. Many people assume that a simple will will cover everything, but unexpected events often create gaps. You can use a combination of documents to ensure your plan works as intended. For instance, you can name someone to handle your financial matters if you are unable to do so, and you can also specify your medical care wishes and authorize a trusted person to make health decisions for you. Trusts can provide ongoing support for minor children or vulnerable family members and a well-drafted will can clarify how assets should be distributed.By connecting your goals to the right documents, you create a plan that is practical and enforceable.
3. How does estate planning protect me while I am still alive?
Estate planning plays a critical role if you become incapacitated due to illness or injury. Without proper documents, loved ones may need court involvement to gain authority to act on your behalf. Planning ahead allows you to choose decision-makers in advance and outline your preferences, which can reduce stress and uncertainty during medical or financial emergencies.
4. When should I review or update my estate plan?
Estate plans should change as your life changes. Marriage, divorce, new children, retirement or significant financial shifts can all affect how your plan works. Delaware law can also evolve, making regular reviews important. An outdated estate plan may leave gaps that undermine the protection you intended to create.These questions reveal the ways estate planning can provide structure and reassurance for both you and your loved ones.
Planning with intention brings lasting peace of mind
Estate planning gives you the opportunity to make decisions thoughtfully, rather than leaving them to chance or state law. With the right guidance, the process can feel empowering instead of overwhelming.Because every family and financial situation is unique, speaking with an experienced Delaware estate planning attorney can help you understand your options and create a plan tailored to your goals and circumstances.]]>