» Guardianship

illustrated man throwing several hearts in air -tree shaped

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
Estate Planning on a sticky note near calculator and reading glasses

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
foster children hugging guardian and holding teddy bears

Foster Children in an Estate Plan

A foster child may come into your life through the court system, an agency, or your own extended family. However it begins, the relationship can grow into something deeply personal, with the unshakable feeling that this child is yours. However, the l… Read More
Hands covering wooden family figurines

Avoid These Common and Expensive Mistakes: How to Leave Assets to Minor Children

You love your children and want to ensure that they are always taken care of. The desire to provide for them may also be shared by their grandparents, aunts, and uncles. However, when leaving money and property to minor children, even the best intent… Read More
Scale - Facts in Green or Myths in Red demonstrating estate planning myths

Four Estate Planning Myths: Debunking Common Misconceptions

Estate planning often feels complex, leading many people to rely on assumptions that can have devastating consequences for their loved ones and their legacy. From who can make decisions for you to whether you need an estate plan, common myths can sta… Read More
Will and Living Trust Typed on Paper with Living Trust circled in red pencil

Why a Trust for Your Child Should Mature with Your Child

From the moment a child is born, a parent feels an instinctive drive to protect and nurture. We childproof our homes, carefully choose schools, offer guidance through adolescence, support their careers, and watch with pride as they start their own li… Read More
Including unborn children in estate plan image shows child leaning over pregnant mother’s stomach

Should I Include My Unborn Child in My Estate Plan?

Estate planning is an exercise in anticipating potential future events that could affect your plans for what happens if you become incapacitated (unable to manage your own affairs during your lifetime) and how your assets (property and accounts) will… Read More
foster children hugging guardian and holding teddy bears

Planning for the Unthinkable: Essential Tools for Parents of Minor Children

Approximately three-fourths of Americans do not have a basic will.[1] Many of the same people also have minor children, which underscores a major misunderstanding about estate plans: they can accomplish much more than just handling financial assets (… Read More
LGBTQIA Same-sex Couple Dancing

Estate Planning for the Newly Married

Now, when you are newly married, is the perfect time to start working on an estate plan. As newlyweds or those about to marry, you are likely in the process of deciding which of your accounts and property (your assets) to combine and how to turn two… Read More
Judge With Magnifying Glass Looking At Figurines of a Family to choose guaridan

Do It Now: Name a Guardian for Your Minor Children

We know it is difficult, even horrific, to imagine someone else raising your children. However, you must consider who you would choose to fill this important role. Otherwise, a judge—a stranger who does not know you or your wishes, your child, or y… Read More