When building an estate plan, two documents come up again and again: the financial power of attorney and the living trust. On the surface they can seem to overlap, since both allow someone else to manage your assets when you cannot. But they work very differently, serve distinct purposes, and...

I love spring. The air grows warm, the days stretch longer, and the earth wakes up in every shade of green. There is something genuinely hopeful about it. But spring also carries a quiet sadness for me. I lost my spouse six years ago in April. To this day, the...

Losing a loved one is tough, and the thought of navigating the estate process, especially while grieving, can be daunting. While probate is the legal process necessary to transfer assets from the deceased person's name to their heirs or beneficiaries, it is not always required. Let’s look at common situations...

Grieving the loss of a family member is one of life’s most challenging experiences. The emotional weight of loss is compounded by stress and confusion, particularly when your loved one did not plan ahead. Without clear guidance from the deceased, families are left to navigate funeral arrangements, property sales, and...

When you hear the word “estate,” what comes to mind? For many people, it conjures images of sprawling mansions with acres of manicured land. Others might think of estate sales, where a lifetime’s worth of possessions are sold after someone passes away. Still others associate it with real estate transactions,...

When it comes to passing on your property to friends and family, you have options. Some formal, some informal. While informal methods might seem simpler in the moment, understanding the differences between approaches can help ensure your wishes are actually carried out. Let's explore the various ways people plan for...

A courtroom is a fantastic place for a lawyer to get a real education. I’m telling you, probate court is like a masterclass in “What Not to Do” when it comes to estate planning. I see all sorts of things, but the common theme is always the same: a badly-written...

Estate planning conversations can be awkward. Whether you’re discussing your own plans with loved ones or bringing up the subject with aging parents, these discussions require careful thought and sensitivity. Here are some tips on how to approach these important conversations in a way that strengthens family bonds rather than...

There’s a question that haunts me in the quiet moments: When I’m gone, what will people say my life meant? I used to think the answer would be found in my resume: the titles I held, the projects I completed, the professional milestones I achieved. I thought it would be...

The spooky season is upon us! As the days grow colder and darker, Halloween decorations emerge, and we settle onto the couch for scary movies and candy corn (at least, I do). But there’s something even spookier than any ghost or goblin: the thought of leaving your family to navigate...

Here’s a question I hear all the time. “Do I really need life insurance?” And right behind it comes, “How much should I actually have?” Let me answer the first one right away. Yes, you really should have life insurance as part of your comprehensive estate plan. I remember a...

It's easy to get confused about Living Wills and "Do Not Resuscitate" (DNR) orders. Many people worry both of these documents mean hospitals won't help you if you need it. But that's not the case at all! In Rhode Island, the Living Will and the DNR are two separate documents...

When people think about estate planning, wills and trusts often come to mind first. But there is a simple tool that can make a big difference in ensuring your assets pass smoothly to your loved ones: beneficiary designations. A beneficiary designation is a simple way to name who will receive...

Estate planning isn’t just for married couples, retirees, or people with large estates. If you’re a single woman, whether you’re building your career, raising children on your own, recently divorced, or enjoying retirement, it’s especially important to have a clear plan in place. Without a spouse as a default decision-maker,...

I talk to a lot of people who’ve heard about living trusts and are interested in using one, but they often tell me, “I just need something simple.” The truth is, there’s really no such thing as a simple trust. Trusts are legal instruments that require thoughtful drafting, and the...

As the relaxed days of August unfold, we recognize it as National Make a Will Month—a perfect time to address an important task before the busy back-to-school season and holiday rush begin. Shockingly, about two-thirds of Americans lack any form of estate plan, whether it's a will, trust, or powers...

When people think about estate planning, they often focus on what happens after they pass away. But planning for the “what ifs” of life is just as important. One of the most powerful tools for protecting yourself and your loved ones during your lifetime is a Durable Power of Attorney...

Let’s be honest — no one dreams of picking out a nursing home. But when the time comes, whether for yourself or someone you love, making the right choice can mean the difference between peace of mind and panic mode. The good news? With a little planning (and maybe a...

When it comes to estate planning, you’ve probably heard of wills and living trusts—but what about testamentary trusts? If you're looking for a way to provide for your loved ones while maintaining some control over how your assets are distributed, a testamentary trust might be a great option. So, what...

When my son turned 18 and left for college a few hours away, it felt like the start of a new chapter — one filled with excitement, independence, and the quiet ache that comes with watching your child grow up. He didn’t come home on weekends, rarely called, and though...