Articles

new born baby gripping parent's thumbs tightly

Five Things Every New Parent Needs to Know About Wills

Congratulations on your family! 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 chi… Read More
Joint Tenancy Agreement being signed

Parental Warning: If You Own Your Property This Way, You May Accidentally Disinherit Your Own Children

Do you own your home, other property, or a financial account with someone else, such as a spouse or an adult child? If so, you might be surprised to learn that a common way of owning property could cause problems for your loved ones in the future. Jo… Read More
Silhouettes of soldiers in front of a sunset with the US Flag watermarked in the background representing estate planning for veterans

Mission Accomplished: Your Guide to Veterans’ Planning Essentials

Joining the military often sets individuals on a path that is distinctly different from pursuing higher education or entering the civilian workforce. Every year around Veterans Day, we honor the sacrifices of those who have served our country. Howeve… Read More
person holdnig a model of a house in one hand and a set of keys with a house keychain in the other

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. Calling it an asset can sound cold. A home is far more than an assortment of materials and possessions. It is also a place to live, gather, create life stories, an… Read More
The phrase Do The Right Thing typed on a paper on office table. A reminder to make the right choices in your estate plan.

Twelve Estate Planning Blunders You Cannot Afford to Make

Many people believe that a simple will is all they need to accomplish their goals for the future. However, a flawed estate plan can create just as many headaches, heartaches, and expenses for your loved ones as having no plan. Life changes, laws evol… Read More
Important vector stamp

How to Help Your Loved Ones Avoid Probate (Spoiler: Fund Your Trust!)

Today, many people use a revocable living trust instead of a will, joint ownership, or beneficiary designation as the foundation of their estate plan. When properly prepared, a trust avoids the sometimes costly, always public, and often time-consumin… Read More
checklist for what to do after a loved one passes away

What to Do After a Loved One Dies

If you have been named the person responsible for settling a deceased loved one’s affairs, commonly called an executor or personal representative (if your loved one had no estate plan or had a will) or a successor trustee (if they had a trust), you… Read More
Categories: Probate
Urban traffic congestion sign saying Expect Delays demonstrating probate delays

Probate Delays: Five Reasons Your Probate Might Be Taking So Long

After a loved one dies, their money and property that goes through probate must be distributed to the people legally entitled to it, either according to a last will and testament (also called a will) or the state’s default distribution scheme (foun… Read More
Concept of avoiding probate cost piggy bank with money isolated on white

Three Simple Ways to Avoid Probate Costs

The bad news: When a person dies owning property in their sole name without a beneficiary, their loved ones will likely have to go through a court-involved process called probate to transfer the property out of the deceased person’s name and into t… Read More
Neon Sign

Do I Need a Will or a Trust?

Yes: everyone needs a will, a trust, or both. These important tools ensure that your legacy will be carried out according to your wishes and allow you to provide for loved ones after your passing. Having a will or trust in place also saves money and… Read More