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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
Senior couple unpacking a box of personal property

What Is a Residuary Clause and Why Is It Important?

When developing your estate plan, it is nearly impossible to address every account or property you own. There are sure to be some things you unintentionally overlook. However, by including a residuary clause, you can intentionally disburse any remain… Read More
Importance of Recording a Deed

What Happens to Real Estate With a Mortgage When I Die?

Your mortgage, like the rest of your debt, does not simply disappear when you die. If you leave your home that has an outstanding loan to a beneficiary in your will or trust, your beneficiary will inherit not only the property but also the outstandin… Read More
hand holding a phone showing a Twitch account

What Happens to My Twitch Account When I Die?

In the digital age, our online presence extends beyond social media. Platforms like Twitch, where users engage with live-streamed content, present unique considerations when it comes to estate planning. Do you know what happens to a Twitch account af… Read More
hand holding wooden puppet to illustrate control

My Spouse Died . . . and Now I Have My Own Survivor's Trust?

Many married couples share almost everything, including finances. This may be reflected in their estate plan by using one joint living trust instead of two separate trusts. Separate trusts can provide greater flexibility, but a joint trust can be str… Read More
tax deductible

What Is the Last Surviving Spouse Rule in an Estate Tax Situation?

Estate planning can be a significant part of successful financial management, especially for married couples. One key consideration is minimizing any estate tax, which can substantially affect the distribution of money and property to a married coupl… Read More
LLC on blocks of wood demonstrating Corporate Transparency Act

Will the Corporate Transparency Act Apply to You?

Starting on January 1, 2024, under a new law called the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA), owners of certain business entities must file a report with the federal government including details regarding the ownership of their entity. The CTA was enacte… Read More
Two women family couple or girls friends lifting hand showing the keys of new home house apartment, buying or renting real estate property, mortgage loan at living room.

Beware of Unequal Contributions When Buying a Home

At a time of record home unaffordability, more people are teaming up with friends and relatives to realize the home ownership dream of buying a home. According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), more than 75 percent of homes on the market… Read More
digital estate plan

What Happens to Your Venmo, PayPal, and Apple Pay Accounts at Your Death?

It has been said that nothing ever dies on the Internet. While this dictum is typically used as a warning that what we put online may come back to haunt us, it is also true that our online accounts can outlive us, and even live in perpetuity. Having… Read More