Articles

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Estate Planning as a Love Language: Protecting Those Who Depend on You

We all have different ways of giving and receiving love, and those preferences can reveal a great deal about us. You may be the type who expresses love with words, telling people you care about them or crafting carefully worded messages for someone w… Read More
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What to Do When Your Doctor Tells You to Get Your Affairs in Order

Five words no one ever wants to hear from their doctor are “Get your affairs in order.” Unfortunately, 76 percent of Americans do not have a will, and it often requires a chronic disease, terminal illness diagnosis, or other life-changing event t… Read More
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How to Own Your Real Estate

Your real estate encompasses not only your primary residence but also any vacation homes, rental properties, or even vacant land you may own. The ideal form of ownership varies depending on the type of property and your individual circumstances. Your… Read More
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The Hidden Gender Gap in Estate Planning—and How to Close It

You have probably heard of the gender pay gap. But there is also another common disparity: the estate planning gender gap. Although the two are interrelated to some extent—earning less than men puts women on an unequal path to investment and retire… Read More
Deed To A House to use for joint owners as JTWROS

Caution: Using a Do-it-Yourself Deed to Avoid Probate Can Lead to Costly Unintended Consequences

One goal of estate planning is to ensure that your assets, including your home, pass to your chosen beneficiaries quickly and with minimal expense. In real estate, a common strategy to avoid probate (the court process of validating a will and distrib… Read More
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Estate Planning for Heirlooms: A Guide to Distributing Sentimental Items

Personal items accumulated over our lifetimes may be left in estate planning limbo when we pass away. You may have kept many personal effects and everyday items more for sentimental reasons than for financial value, such as your clothing, jewelry, bo… Read More
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Estate Planning Tips for Someone Facing Major Surgery

Receiving news that you need major surgery is never easy. Preparing for work absences, planning for childcare and household responsibilities, and understanding the procedure itself and your recovery timeline may be among the things you are worried ab… Read More
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Business Succession: Why Planning for Absence and Incapacity Is Indispensable for Business Owners

As a business owner, you have likely considered establishing an estate plan to ensure your company’s continued success after your passing. However, comprehensive estate planning also addresses what will happen if you become mentally incapacitated (… Read More
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How to Get Organized to Meet with Your Estate Planning Attorney

You have decided to meet with an estate planning attorney to get your affairs in order and ensure that your loved ones are protected. Now that you have scheduled the appointment, it is time to get yourself organized and prepare for the first meeting.… Read More
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Why Receiving an Inheritance Changes Your Estate Plan

Receiving an inheritance can be a meaningful and transformative experience, but it can also create challenges if not handled thoughtfully. Without a clear plan, an inheritor may struggle to manage newly acquired assets, face creditor or tax issues, o… Read More