Many people think that they cannot protect an inheritance that they pass on to the next generation. Once they are gone, whatever risks, dangers, and life circumstances that their heirs will face can become a threat to the inherited assets. One of the best tools to...

So you have finally decided to get your estate planning affairs in order. Here are a few questions you should ask the attorney to make sure that he or she is the right person to help get your affairs in order. 1. Is Estate Planning Your Primary Focus? You wouldn't be...

The holidays are right around the corner. The family will be getting together and spending time with one another. Perhaps you are considering getting your own estate planning in order. Maybe you are concerned about whether or not your parents have completed their own...

You have most likely seen the record-breaking amounts of the Mega Millions and Powerball lottery jackpots in the last couple of weeks. The grand prizes have reached over a billion dollars. You have also probably heard stories of lottery winners who ended up dealing...

Whenever you bring a new life into the world and into your family, things may seem overwhelming. Understandably, new parents are focused on providing for their new child's immediate needs. However, all new parents should also be aware that their estate plan needs a...

We live in a world where consumers have more information available to them than ever before. There are do-it-yourself options, discounted, general practice attorneys, and skilled experts. It seems as though more and more people are looking for the cheapest option....

Most people set up beneficiary designations on a life insurance policy, annuity, or retirement account once it is first established and then forget about it. However, these designations are hardly a good time to "set it and forget it". Like a good estate plan, it is...

Conventional wisdom says that everyone needs a Last Will and Testament, but many families have found out that a Will may not be good enough anymore. Recent trends show that many families and experienced estate planning attorneys are choosing to set up a revocable...

Many attorneys (even those that do not specialize in estate planning) will attempt to assist clients with setting up a revocable living trust. In the right circumstances, a revocable living trust can provide a number of benefits for clients. However, most attorneys...

Everyone knows that they need an estate plan (if they don't already have one). However, many people do not realize that their estate plan is not a 'set it and forget it' process. Your plan should be reviewed periodically as your life changes. There are many instances...

Congratulations, you are almost ready to retire! While people almost always create a to-do list, some people don't begin planning the next phase of their lives until after they have already retired, which is a mistake. Here are three essential steps you should take...

Wills and trusts serve the same core purpose, which is stating who receives your estate after you pass away. However, they operate in two entirely different ways that you should be aware of before deciding which is the best way to protect your family. There are a few...

There are many misconceptions about estate planning. Many people believe they do not need a will or trust because they do not have enough money or a large family. Learning more about the most common estate planning myths will help you to understand how a plan can work...

Each family has different needs and therefore needs an estate plan customized by an experienced estate planning attorney. However, regardless of income, assets, age, or other family circumstances, every complete estate plan must have the following five documents....

Watching your son or daughter get married is supposed to be one of the happiest and most memorable days of your life. However, what people don't always hear about is the concern and uneasy feelings that parents may be dealing with if they are uncomfortable with their...

Both a Last Will & Testament and a Revocable Trust (sometimes called a "Living Trust") are testamentary documents. That means they state your wishes and instructions for distributing your inheritance after you pass away. Both also allow you to appoint someone of...

I've personally seen countless estate planning documents. I've reviewed everything from the most robust, well-drafted masterpieces to the cheapest template forms recycled over and over. In the last few years, I have come across more and more documents that people...

As if grieving her husband's unexpected passing wasn't enough, Vanessa Bryant, wife of basketball star Kobe Bryant, is now having to try and amend her husband's trust to include their youngest daughter. Kobe Bryant’s trust was last amended in 2017, after his other...

Each state has its own laws on what happens if someone passes without creating their own Will, (known as intestacy laws). As a backup, the state will actually create a Will for you if you don't have one. But the government is rarely the best choice for who will make...

A common thought amongst those interested in setting up a will is, “Can I do this myself? Do I even need an attorney?”. With the advancement of DIY projects in today’s age of technology, one can watch a Youtube video or do some research on a DIY blog and bypass the...