When we think about heirs fighting over assets, it is the big ticket items that typically come to mind, such as the family home, investments, bank accounts and the like. However, it is often items of sentimental value—a mother’s necklace, for example, or a father’s watch—that cause the most contention. This is particularly true in the case of blended families. Worse, battles over sentimental assets often lead to hard feelings that can last for years or even permanently sever

It can be tempting to avoid the costs of creating an estate plan when your only significant asset is your home. After all, what’s the harm of simply putting your home in your child’s name to avoid probate and be done with it?   We hear this question more than you’d think at our office, and we almost always advise against it. The truth is, there are a number of reasons to keep your home in your own name, the biggest ones being property taxes and your child’s liabilities.   Oth

The statistics are rather alarming. In 2005, 50 percent of Americans had a will; today, only 32 percent of us have one. Meanwhile, only one in three Americans over the age of 55 has a durable power of attorney, and a mere 41 percent of this same demographic has advance health care directives. Why is this? According to statistics culled from a range of sources, Americans lack estate plans for the following reasons: 47 percent say “they haven’t gotten around to it” 29 percent t

When planning your estate, it’s natural to wonder what should go into your trust and what might be better left out. Cars, trucks, motorcycles, and even recreational vehicles raise unique considerations when it comes to trusts. Here’s a breakdown to help you navigate the decision. Placing your car in a trust can simplify the transfer of ownership upon your death. Vehicles titled in your name may need to go through probate—a time-consuming and potentially costly process. A trus

Most people don’t think about protecting their assets until something bad happens, like a lawsuit, nursing home bill, or financial crisis. But by then, it might be too late. Truly, the best time to protect your assets is before you’re at risk. That’s where an asset protection trust can come in. These powerful legal tools can help shield your home, savings, or other important assets from future threats, but they only work if you plan ahead. In other words, if you’re already be

Modern families come in all shapes and sizes - second marriages, stepchildren, unmarried life partners, and chosen families. But with more love comes more complexity, especially when it comes to estate planning. Without a solid plan in place, blended families can face unintended disinheritance, disputes, and financial hardships. If your family doesn’t fit the traditional mold, you need an estate plan that reflects your unique dynamics and protects everyone you care about. Wit

When it comes to estate planning, beneficiary designations are a critical yet often overlooked detail. These designations determine who will receive your assets, such as retirement accounts, life insurance policies, and bank accounts, upon your death. Keeping them current is vital to ensuring your wishes are honored and your estate plan functions smoothly. Many people don’t realize that beneficiary designations take precedence over other estate planning documents, such as wil