For many, an estate plan is created and never looked over again – until it’s necessary to do so. But did you know that you should really look at your estate plan as something that grows and changes with you? Think about what has happened in your life since the last time you looked over your estate plan. Maybe you bought a new home, got married, or welcomed your second child. Each of these events demonstrates exactly why keeping your plan up to date is just as important as cre

Although you may have taken the time to create well structed wills and trusts, there are some common challenges which may present themselves upon your passing. Disputes amongst beneficiaries can result in bitter family relations, costly court proceedings and financial devastation. The following are some proactive measures you can take to avoid common challenges and ensure your documents accomplish your intended goals. Treat children equally:  Certain family dynamics may have

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 2023 United States Census indicated that 49 percent of women over the age of 65 were not married. The figure for men over 65 was 21 percent. There are many reasons for this, of course, including divorce, the death of a spouse and changes in the way couples today view marriage. However, one thing unmarried people seem to have in common is that their planning needs can be quite different from those of married couples. And, according to an article in the Wall Street Journal,

Second marriages can present unique challenges when it comes to estate planning, particularly if you or your new spouse have children from previous marriages. Let's take a look at some of the factors, tools, and strategies to consider when planning for a second marriage. Prenuptial Agreements You've been married before, so you're a little bit older and a whole lot wiser the second (or third) time around. However, this doesn't mean you should throw caution to the wind. While i

Here are some additional planning tips to bring you peace of mind in the new year. Review your asset allocation. The start of the new year is an excellent time to reassess your investment portfolio to make sure your asset allocation is where it should be to accomplish your investment goals. Additionally, a stock, mutual fund or other investment that out-performed the market two years ago may not have done as well in 2025. If so, take a long, hard look at it. Make a detailed m

For many families, planning for the future means more than just wills and trusts—it also involves preparing for the rising costs of long-term care. Medicaid, the government program designed to assist with healthcare costs for those with limited financial resources, plays a critical role in covering long-term care expenses. However, many individuals are surprised to learn that qualifying for Medicaid often requires careful estate planning. With Medicaid making headlines lately

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

In the hustle and bustle of our youthful years, contemplating estate planning may seem like a task meant for a far-off future. Yet, the importance of having crucial documents in place cannot be overstated, even for those under the age of 40. Particularly, health care directives and powers of attorney are not just for the older generation; they are essential tools for safeguarding our well-being and financial affairs, especially as we embark on new life chapters. It’s Not Just

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