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List of fiduciary duties on paper on desk

Choosing a Fiduciary: How to Pick a Trustee, Executor, and Agent under a Power of Attorney

While the term fiduciary is a legal term with a rich history, it generally means someone who is legally obligated to act in another person’s best interest. Trustees, executors, and agents are examples of fiduciaries. When you are choosing a fiducia… Read More
A judge will look to state law to determine the appropriate guardian, who may not be a person that you would have chosen.

How to Choose a Guardian for Yourself

Every day we make hundreds of decisions for ourselves—from what to eat for breakfast to where to vacation. However, what happens if you cannot make decisions for yourself? Who do you want making day-to-day decisions on your behalf and serving as yo… Read More
Plan A did not work, move on to Plan B

Don't Let Your Estate Plan Go Up in Smoke: Update Your Plan

Fewer people are creating estate plans today than in years past. Research shows that, in 2024, less than one-third of Americans report having a will.[1] Every adult—whether they are 19 or 99—should have a will at a minimum. Many people can also b… Read More
Happy Woman Making Checklist After Moving Away from home

Are You Ready to Move Away from Home?

When you move away from home, it is a major milestone in adulthood. For the first time, you might have to secure housing, buy insurance, sign up for utilities, and manage your finances. All of this can feel overwhelming as you simultaneously adapt to… Read More
Image shows an advanced directive, stethoscope, magnifier and a pencil

What to Do When Incapacity Throws Your Estate Plan into Chaos

As poet Robert Burns mused centuries ago, the best-laid plans of mice and men often go awry. Despite thoughtful effort and a concerted strategy, you cannot prepare for every emergency in life. A car accident, sudden illness, workplace injury, or chro… Read More
Estate Planning Legal Business Management Wheel Infographic showing power of attorney

How to Choose the Right Agents for Your Incapacity Plan

Many people believe that estate planning is only about planning for their death. But planning for what happens after you die is only one piece of the estate-planning puzzle. It is just as important to plan for what happens if you become unable to man… Read More
Power of Attorney, Living Will, and Health Care Power of Attorney documents on a desk

Five Essential Legal Documents You Need for Incapacity Planning

Comprehensive estate planning involves more than just planning for your legacy after your death, avoiding probate, and reducing taxes. Good estate planning also addresses incapacity and appoints people to make legal, financial, and medical decisions… Read More
Mental Health Awareness Month

Mental Health Awareness Month: How an Estate Plan Can Help Improve Anxiety

Roughly one in five US adults experiences a mental illness each year. Anxiety disorders are among the most common mental health conditions, affecting nearly one-third of adults at some point in their lives. While anxiety can be generalized and chroni… Read More
Aging Strategy. Senior mother and adult daughter giving support to each other. Closeup of senior and young woman holding hands. Mother and daughter Family affection concept

What Are Your Parents' Aging Strategies?

In the United States, it’s very common for adult children to live far away from their aging parents. Managing aging parents’ or in-laws’ medical events can be a serious challenge without proper preparation and understanding of their str… Read More
Adult and child hands holding brain paper cut out

Four Estate Planning Steps to Take Right After an Alzheimer’s Diagnosis

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, it is important to start planning immediately. There are several essential documents to help you once you become incapacitated, but if you don’t already have them in place, you ne… Read More