» Planning for Minor Children

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
Two children and two teenagers with the savings for unequal inheritance

Does Treating Your Children Fairly Mean Unequal Inheritances?

When thinking through their estate plan and how they want their assets (money and property) managed after they pass away, most parents wish to treat their children equally, often out of a sense of fairness. However, sometimes being fair or doing what… Read More
minimalist estate planning

Minimalism May Be Great for Your Stuff and Finances but Not for Your Estate Planning

Minimalism is a hot topic these days, but a minimalist “less is more” mindset for estate planning can leave you and your loved ones unprotected. An estate plan is one area of your life where you should lean into chaos and assert control, not by r… Read More
Image man and woman with gavel representing divorce and need for new estate planning

Your Divorce Decree: The First Step in Estate Planning

You and your spouse have recently divorced, and the judge has signed the divorce decree. Now what? Although you may feel that you have spent enough time and money on lawyers, there is one last attorney you need to talk to: an estate planning attorney… Read More
Uncle playing video game with nephews

Five Reasons Uncle Bill May Not Make a Good Trustee (and Maybe a Corporate Trustee is a Better Choice)

If you have created a trust that you intend to last for decades, choosing the right trustee is critical to ensuring the trust’s longevity and ultimate success. Initially, you may think that a family member (for example, Uncle Bill to your children,… Read More
Black graduation cap and tassle on top of wooden building blocks

How an Inheritance Can Help with Loved Ones' Educational Costs

A primary goal of estate planning is to provide financially for your loved ones. One way to ensure they are set up for lifelong success is to create an estate plan that allows an inheritance to help with your loved ones’ educational costs. High… Read More
Health Insurance Portability and accountability act and stethoscope. HIPAA

HIPAA: An Overview for Young Adults

The Federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) was enacted to provide guidelines to the healthcare industry for protecting patient information and preserving privacy. This is usually a nonissue for minors because pare… 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
Sign that says JUST in CASE because disinheritance happens

Have a Harmonious Family that Does Not Fight? You Still Need an Estate Plan

Last week, we shared tips for avoiding a will contest. In many families, everyone gets along, happily gathering for the holidays, sharing laughs, telling stories, and enjoying each other’s company. Then, the matriarch or patriarch dies. Suddenly, y… Read More