Some people hear the term “estate plan” and assume it is reserved for the ultra wealthy.  I assure you, that is not the case! Anyone over the age of 18 should consider making an estate plan. Your “estate” simply refers to your possessions - the money in your bank account,...

Adults who are no longer able to handle their finances or make healthcare decisions for themselves are set up for “living probate,” which refers to a guardianship or conservatorship. In simpler terms, you want to avoid guardianship for the same reason you want to avoid probate. The real situation you...

Planning for a loved one with special needs requires more than just good intentions—it requires thoughtful, strategic action. Leaving assets directly to a special needs beneficiary, even with the best of intentions, can unintentionally jeopardize their eligibility for essential government benefits like Medicaid or Supplemental Security Income (SSI). That’s where...

Inheriting real estate can be both a financial opportunity and a potential source of stress—especially when multiple heirs are involved. Deciding whether to keep or sell the property depends on a variety of legal, financial, and emotional factors. Below, we explore the pros and cons of each option, how the...

A living trust is an excellent tool for estate planning. Think of it like a treasure chest - we build it and provide you with a couple of keys to the lock. But an empty treasure chest is essentially worthless. The same can be said for an unfunded living trust....

Life is constantly changing—marriages, births, new investments, retirement, and even changes in tax laws can impact your estate plan. If you haven’t reviewed your documents in a while, now is the perfect time to make sure they still reflect your wishes. Estate Plan Spring Cleaning Checklist by Jill M. Santiago,...

We all know life can be unpredictable. Estate planning isn’t exactly at the top of most people’s to-do lists, and it’s easy to put off making a will—until time starts running out. This is where deathbed wills come in—wills that are created at the very last moment, often in stressful,...

Let's be real, talking about estate planning with your parents can be…awkward. But it’s also super important. You want to make sure they're taken care of and that their wishes are honored, right? So, how do you navigate this tricky topic? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered. Here’s a down-to-earth...

Wills and trusts the two most common tools used in estate planning to ensure your assets are distributed according to your wishes. While both serve the fundamental purpose of passing on wealth and protecting your loved ones, these documents function in different ways and offer distinct advantages. Understanding the key...

People put off estate planning for many different reasons. Some may not want to think about the inevitable future of getting older and passing away. But for most people, it is just plain old procrastination. When it comes to estate planning, the consequences of procrastination can be severe, potentially leading...

Congrats if you're getting married! In the U.S., four out of ten marriages involve at least one person who has been married before. Second (or third) marriages come with unique challenges, mainly concerning finances and blended families. Estate planning for couples in second (or third!) marriages requires additional planning to...

Estate planning is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your legacy and provide for your loved ones. Yet, far too often, people delay creating or updating their estate plans until they are well into their later years. While it’s never too late to plan, waiting...

As the season of giving approaches, many people reflect on how they can make a lasting impact on the causes that matter most to them. For some, this includes leaving a gift to their church or a cherished organization as part of their estate planning. Thoughtful planning allows you to...

When creating an estate plan, many clients ask whether transferring their property to their children while they’re still alive is a smart decision. The answer is “it depends.” Making this transfer can have lasting impacts—both positive and negative—on family dynamics, finances, and estate planning. So, without further ado, let’s dive...

Nursing homes are really expensive and it is no wonder people are terrified about how to pay for long term care. The fear is not misplaced. The average nursing home will cost you about $10,000 per month. The average nursing home stay is 18 months. For the majority of Americans,...

Estate planning may not seem like a Halloween horror story, but ignoring the essentials can haunt you later. Working effectively with your attorney is key to keeping the skeletons out of your financial closet and protecting your loved ones. Here are some frightening mistakes you should avoid when working with...

Nobody likes to think about what will happen after they’re gone, but planning ahead can save your family a lot of heartache. One of the biggest concerns for parents is making sure their children don’t end up fighting over inheritance. Money and possessions can bring out strong emotions, and even...

We all want the best for our grandkids. Americans are often in a better financial position later in life to help our youth finance their education. Wouldn’t it be amazing to send the grandkids off to college with a suitcase full of cash? However, most of us need to take...

The short definition of probate is: “Probate is the court action that changes the title of assets from a deceased person to the beneficiaries or heirs.” Whether or not someone leaves a will, probate is often necessary. It is a common misconception that creating a will, or holding assets jointly,...

Do you need a will, or do you need a trust? Confused about the difference? The major difference is probate - which is the court process that applies to a person’s estate whether they leave a will or not. When it comes to estate planning, understanding the difference between probate...