» Powers of Attorney

Same sex female couple discuss estate plan choices

Who Needs an Estate Plan?

If you are reading this, you need an estate plan. Why? The short answer is that everyone age 18 and older needs an estate plan. It does not matter whether you are old or young, have built up considerable wealth or are just entering adulthood—you ne… Read More
Two minor children boys hugging their mother at home

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
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
Power of Attorney, Living Will, and Health Care Power of Attorney documents on a desk

3 Ways to Manage Your Estate Plan Cost

You may think creating a simple estate plan should be easy and something you can do independently. Unfortunately, this is not often the case. Estate planning laws vary greatly from state to state, can sometimes be complicated, and constantly change.… Read More
married couple at home with their dog, wife is actively making a choice

Disinheriting a Spouse: Can I Leave My Spouse Out of My Estate Plan?

The relationship between spouses is special in all contexts, not the least of which is the estate planning context. In many instances, you can exclude people from your estate plan, including your parents, siblings, and adult children. But there are s… Read More
woman looking at chalkboard with different words written on it and NOW written boldly

To the Millennials: The Time to Plan Is Now

As a millennial, you are contributing to the workforce in a major way and are making positive changes in the world around you. We understand that your concerns may differ from someone of a different generation, and we are here to help you craft an es… 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
Young adult surrounded by moving boxes while filling out a form

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