Seven Questions to Audit Your Family’s Estate Planning Future Think back to your life seven years ago. Your family may have grown, your finances may have changed, and your priorities probably look different than they did then. Perhaps you’ve welcomed grandchildren, changed jobs, purchased property, opened new financial accounts, or even moved to another state. […]
Category Archives: Estate Administration
05
Jun
Jun
How You Are Protected While Administering an Estate: Know Your Executor Rights Serving as the executor of someone’s estate represents a significant responsibility. When someone chooses you for this role, they trust you to carry out their final wishes, manage important details, and help guide their estate through the legal process. However, many executors quickly […]
24
Apr
Apr
When someone says, “We need to talk,” most people don’t picture a relaxed, productive conversation. Instead, they expect tension, difficult topics, and maybe even conflict. However, in estate planning, that exact conversation often prevents the very problems families hope to avoid. One way is by calling a family meeting. A well-structured family meeting allows you […]
17
Oct
Oct
In recent posts, we’ve discussed the importance of updating your estate plan as your family grows. One of the most common questions parents ask involves leaving assets to minor children safely. Parents, grandparents, and relatives all want to provide for the next generation. Yet even well-intentioned plans can create confusion, court involvement, and financial risk. […]
03
Oct
Oct
In recent posts, we’ve discussed the many ways estate planning affects families. One topic that deserves special attention is inheriting a home. The United States is experiencing the largest transfer of generational wealth in history. Baby boomers are expected to pass down an estimated $84 trillion over the next several decades, with $18–19 trillion tied directly […]
18
Sep
Sep
You Cannot Afford to Make These Estate Planning Blunders Many people think a simple will covers all their future goals. In reality, a flawed estate plan can create just as many headaches, heartaches, and expenses as having no plan at all. Life changes, laws evolve, and even good intentions can fall short. Without proper updates, […]
12
Sep
Sep
Which one do you need? A Will or Trust? Every adult needs a will, a trust, or both. These essential estate planning control your legacy. Further, they make sure your loved ones are cared for. And, finally, they provide peace of mind that your wishes won’t be left to chance. A properly drafted trust can […]
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 […]
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 […]
Assets, Estate Administration, Estate Attorney, Estate Planning
Family Estates: Even if Your Family Doesn’t Fight
04
Apr
Apr
In many families, everyone gets along, happily gathering for the holidays, sharing laughs, telling stories, and enjoying each other’s company. Then, the matriarch or patriarch dies. Suddenly, years of pent-up resentment and hurt feelings surface. Then, the once-happy family faces litigation over the head of the family’s money and property. Here, we discuss family estates. […]