Category Archives: Uncategorized
Homestead Exemptions and Estate Planning
The term homestead may seem like a throwback to pioneer days, but homestead exemption laws are directly relevant to today’s estate planning and can play a valuable role in a modern plan. Almost every state has some form of homestead exemption law primarily focused on reducing property taxes and protecting home equity from creditors…. Read More »
Committed, Protected, Prepared: Estate Planning Tips for Unmarried Partners
More couples than ever are building deep, lasting relationships without ever walking down the aisle. Whether by choice, circumstance, or principle, many Americans are opting out of marriage—but not out of commitment. Data indicate that cultural norms regarding marriage in the United States have undergone significant shifts over the past several decades. Consider the… Read More »
5 Things Every New Parent Needs to Know About Wills
Congratulations on your new baby! Becoming a parent is an incredible journey filled with joy, love, and a whole lot of sleepless nights. It is also a time when you start thinking about the future in an entirely new way. You want to ensure that your child is always protected, no matter what. While… Read More »
Foster Children in an Estate Plan
A foster child may come into your life through the court system, an agency, or your own extended family. No matter how it begins, the relationship can grow into something deeply personal, with the unshakable feeling that this child is yours. However, the law does not always see the relationship that way with regard… Read More »
If I Leave Someone My Home, What Do They Really Get?
Your home is likely one of the most valuable assets you own, if not the most valuable. But, when you speak in terms of estate planning – what does “leaving my home to someone” really mean in legal terms? Simply calling your home an asset can sound cold. A home is far more than… Read More »
Whom Should I Tell About My Estate Plan?
Creating an estate plan is typically a private matter, not something you share in detail with everyone in your life. After all, what you choose to do with your money and property is your business. Your partner might know what is in your plan, especially if you created it together. But beyond that, does… Read More »
Estate Planning Truths: Debunking Common Misconceptions
Estate planning often feels complex, leading many people to rely on assumptions that can have devastating consequences for their loved ones and their legacy. From whom can make decisions for you to whether you need an estate plan, common myths can stand between you and a secure future. Let’s debunk these widespread estate planning… Read More »
The True Cost of Inheriting a Home
The United States is in the midst of the largest generational wealth transfer in history. Over the next few decades, baby boomers are expected to pass down an estimated $84 trillion in money and property,[1] around $18–19 trillion of it related to residential real estate.[2] For millions of younger Americans, this means inheriting a… Read More »
Why a Trust for Your Child Should Mature with Your Child
From the moment a child is born, a parent feels an instinctive drive to protect and nurture. We childproof our homes, carefully choose schools, offer guidance through adolescence, support their careers, and watch with pride as they start their own lives. The desire to be there for them extends beyond emotional and physical care…. Read More »
Does Treating Your Children Fairly Mean Unequal Inheritances?
When thinking through their estate plan and how they want their assets(money and property) managed after they pass away, most parents wish to treat their children equally, often out of a sense of fairness. However, sometimes being fair or doing what is right by your children may mean giving unequal inheritances. The Key Takeaways… Read More »
