Many people treat estate planning as a one-time task something to check off and forget. But life isn’t static, and neither are your needs, relationships, or finances. As President John F. Kennedy once said, “Change is the law of life.” That’s why it’s critical to review your estate plan regularly to make sure it still protects your … Read more
Disasters whether natural or personal can strike without warning. Hurricanes, wildfires, earthquakes, and tornadoes are common in many regions, but personal emergencies like medical crises or accidents can be just as devastating. While we can’t stop disasters from happening, we can prepare for them both physically and legally. Most people think of emergency preparedness as stocking water, … Read more
You’ve taken the responsible steps—regular checkups with your doctor, staying active, eating right, and creating an estate plan with a trusted attorney. But just like any of us, attorneys experience life changes. They may move, retire, become ill, or pass away. So, what should you do if your estate planning attorney is no longer practicing? … Read more
The 4th of July reminds people of the flag, freedom, and fireworks! As our nation’s birthday approaches, we should reflect upon what freedom means to us. Creating an Estate Plan provides a level of individual freedom – a peace of mind regarding your family’s well-being and the legacy that you leave for them once you are gone.
When people think of death, they often associate it with tragic events—an unexpected illness, a car accident, or a natural disaster. But not all deaths are sudden or dramatic. The end of life is often peaceful and even brings families together. However, without proper estate planning, the real tragedy may come after a loved one … Read more
When protecting your legacy, even a small oversight in your estate plan can have significant consequences. From outdated beneficiary designations to missed tax-saving opportunities, common estate planning mistakes can create confusion, trigger unnecessary taxes, or even lead to family disputes. Here are 5 Estate Planning Mistakes That Could Cost Your Family. 1. Overlooking Non-Probate Assets … Read more
Turning 18 is a major milestone for both your child and you. While it may feel like just yesterday you were teaching them to ride a bike or cheering them on at little league, your child is now legally an adult. That means the rules have changed especially when it comes to your ability to help them … Read more
Most people assume they know where their assets will go when they pass away—especially when they’ve created a Will or Trust. But what about your retirement accounts? You may not realize that your IRA, 401(k), pension, or life insurance may not follow your Will or Trust at all. Instead, these accounts typically pass according to the beneficiary designation … Read more
You may look at estate planning as a simple matter of using a document to express who gets what. This is certainly important, but hands-on tasks must be completed to bring your wishes to fruition. With this in mind, communication is part of the equation as well. Let’s look at the ways you can transmit … Read more
When it comes to estate planning, the type of property you own can significantly impact how your plan should be structured—especially if you’re married and live in a community property state. Learn how community property affects your estate plan. What Is Community Property? Community property is a form of marital ownership recognized in nine states:Arizona, … Read more