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

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

Many people believe that estate planning is only for elders. The truth is that younger folks, including millennials, can benefit from having an estate plan of their own.   Millennials are generally defined as individuals born between 1981 and 1996—that is, people between the ages of 29 and 45. This is the age at which many people start families of their own. If you have a child, you should at the very least have a last will and testament. It allows you to name a guardian for

It’s impossible to predict what the new year has in store for us. However, if you follow some (or all) of these tips, 2026 should bring you greater peace of mind. Update your estate plan. We’ve said it before, but as an estate planning firm dedicated to making sure your plan continues to address your needs and goals, we’ll say it again: Don’t let your plan become obsolete. It is vitally important to have us review your plan whenever changes have taken place in your life. Has

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