3 Simple Ways to Avoid Probate Costs Probate is a word that makes many families nervous—and for good reason. When someone dies owning property in their sole name without a beneficiary, their loved ones must go through a court-supervised process to transfer that property. Known as probate, this process often brings delays, stress, and significant […]
Author Archives: Skvarna Law
22
Aug
Aug
What to Do When You Do Not Own What You Think You Own In recent posts, we’ve discussed the importance of having a clear estate plan to protect your assets and your family. One of the most frustrating and costly situations arises when someone believes they own property—only to learn later that they do not […]
Assets, Beneficiary, Estate Planning, Inheritance
Strengthen Your Estate Plan While Improving Your Golf Game
15
Aug
Aug
Golf and estate planning share one important truth: preparation and strategy determine success. While golf requires adjusting to changing conditions on the course, estate planning requires adjusting to life’s changes—marriage, children, retirement, or shifts in financial circumstances. Both benefit from having the right tools, a clear plan, and periodic review. In this post, we discuss […]
Assets, Estate Administration, Estate Planning, Heirs, Trusts
Why Your Child’s Trust Should Grow with Them
08
Aug
Aug
Trusts are powerful estate planning tools, especially when created to protect a child’s financial future. However, if you establish your child’s trust when they are five, that may not serve the same purpose—or offer the same protection—when they’re 25 or 45. Just as your child grows and changes over time, so too must the legal […]
01
Aug
Aug
Does Treating Your Children Fairly Mean Unequal Inheritances? When creating an estate plan, many parents aim to treat their children fairly. But fairness does not always mean equality—especially when each child has different needs, responsibilities, or life circumstances. In some families, the fairest approach may involve unequal inheritances. In this post, we examine the times when […]
25
Jul
Jul
Is an Income Tax Time Bomb Lurking in Your Estate Plan? The federal estate tax exemption has grown significantly—from $5 million in 2011 to nearly $14 million in 2025. As a result, far fewer families face federal estate tax issues today. But there’s another kind of tax concern that’s increasingly relevant: income tax basis planning. If […]
18
Jul
Jul
Last week, we discussed estate planning for individuals facing deployment. This week, we’re expanding that conversation to include a broader perspective—estate planning for military families as a whole. Whether you’re active-duty, part of the reserves, or a military spouse, your estate plan should reflect the unique challenges and benefits of military life.
11
Jul
Jul
Deployment on the Horizon? What You Need to Do to Get Your Affairs in Order In recent posts, we’ve discussed how estate planning can support families during life transitions such as marriage, parenthood, or divorce. This week, we focus on military personnel. Specifically, we cover which legal and planning steps to take before a deployment, […]
20
Jun
Jun
Estate Planning Strategies to Protect Your Spouse In recent posts, we’ve discussed topics such as divorce and estate planning as well as disinheriting a spouse. This week, let’s focus on what you can do to protect your spouse in estate planning. Marriage legally positions you to provide long-term financial security for your spouse through legal […]
20
Jun
Jun
The death of a loved one leaves behind more than grief—it leaves traces of their presence in the quiet corners of our lives. A jacket still holds their cologne. A favorite chair reminds us of where they once sat. The sound of a song, the smell of a flower, or even the sight of their […]