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Can Someone Else Pay for My Estate Plan?

Estate planning is not just for the wealthy. Every adult should have an estate plan, yet surprisingly, most Americans do not. The perceived cost of creating one is among the most cited reasons for a lack of estate planning. The consequences of not ha… Read More
JTWROS, Joint owners, Joint Tenants With Rights Of Survivorship. Concept with keyword, people and icons.

The Perils of Joint Ownership of Property

People often set up bank accounts or real estate so that they own them jointly with a spouse or other family member. The appeal of joint ownership, specifically with survivorship rights, is that when one owner dies, the other owner(s) will automatica… Read More
Notebook with Inheritance written on the front, image of car, home and family in wood cut out

Won’t My Spouse and Kids Inherit Everything When I Die?

You may think that if you die while you are married, everything you own will automatically go to your spouse and children. But you are actually thinking of state rules that apply if someone dies without leaving a will. In legal jargon, this is referr… Read More
family hugging and smiling happily

What Conditions Can I Put on My Child’s Inheritance?

You have two primary options for leaving an inheritance to a child. The most straightforward is to give it to them in a single lump sum, with no strings attached. But this might not be the best option for some children. You may be concerned about the… 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
Keychain House attached to key unlocking the door to a home - Home ownership

What Happens to An Adult Child Living at Home When Their Parents Pass Away?

Today more young adult children are living at home with their parents than at any time since the 1940s. While there are many different opinions about this trend and the cause of its recent prevalence, the primary motivation for young adults staying a… Read More
Piggy bank in child's hands, inside parent's hands - protecting investments

What Can I Not Do as Trustmaker and Trustee of a Revocable Living Trust?

Wills and living trusts are two of the most fundamental estate planning documents. While both accomplish the same primary objective in an estate plan of directing the distributions of your money and property to your desired beneficiaries after you pa… Read More
Tough Decisions Ahead Road Sign

Passing the Torch: Smart Business Succession Strategies

For many business owners, their business is one of the most valuable and important things they own. When it is time to sit down and create an estate plan, it is critical that business owners plan for their business just as they would plan for their h… Read More
Probate Word on Scrabble tiles, with a gavel, watch, money in picture

Do I Have to File a Will with the Court?

Death is a personal and private affair that affects the deceased’s close family and friends. However, there is at least one aspect of death that may require state oversight: probate. Probate with a will is usually much more straightforward than wit… Read More
Piggy bank in child's hands, inside parent's hands - protecting investments

Don’t Let This Crucial Question Derail Your Estate Plan: Outright or in Trust?

Sitting down to create or update your estate plan can be overwhelming. Crucial to a successful plan is your ability to address two major questions: Who will get your stuff when you die, and how do you want those individuals or charities to receive th… Read More