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Estate Planning Word Cloud

Wondering Whether You Need to Update Your Estate Plan?

You Do. Here Is Why. Since creating your estate plan, have you thought about updating it? If you are like most people, probably not. However, the carefully thought-out plan you created years ago may not meet your current goals or family circumstances… Read More
new born baby gripping parent's thumbs tightly

Five Things Every New Parent Needs to Know About Wills

Congratulations on your family! Becoming a parent is an incredible journey filled with joy, love, and a whole lot of sleepless nights. It is also a time when you start thinking about the future in an entirely new way. You want to ensure that your chi… Read More
Joint Tenancy Agreement being signed

Parental Warning: If You Own Your Property This Way, You May Accidentally Disinherit Your Own Children

Do you own your home, other property, or a financial account with someone else, such as a spouse or an adult child? If so, you might be surprised to learn that a common way of owning property could cause problems for your loved ones in the future. Jo… Read More
Silhouettes of soldiers in front of a sunset with the US Flag watermarked in the background representing estate planning for veterans

Mission Accomplished: Your Guide to Veterans’ Planning Essentials

Joining the military often sets individuals on a path that is distinctly different from pursuing higher education or entering the civilian workforce. Every year around Veterans Day, we honor the sacrifices of those who have served our country. Howeve… Read More
person holdnig a model of a house in one hand and a set of keys with a house keychain in the other

If I Leave Someone My Home, What Do They Really Get?

Your home is likely one of the most valuable assets you own, if not the most valuable. Calling it an asset can sound cold. A home is far more than an assortment of materials and possessions. It is also a place to live, gather, create life stories, an… Read More
Important vector stamp

How to Help Your Loved Ones Avoid Probate (Spoiler: Fund Your Trust!)

Today, many people use a revocable living trust instead of a will, joint ownership, or beneficiary designation as the foundation of their estate plan. When properly prepared, a trust avoids the sometimes costly, always public, and often time-consumin… Read More
Urban traffic congestion sign saying Expect Delays demonstrating probate delays

Probate Delays: Five Reasons Your Probate Might Be Taking So Long

After a loved one dies, their money and property that goes through probate must be distributed to the people legally entitled to it, either according to a last will and testament (also called a will) or the state’s default distribution scheme (foun… Read More
Concept of avoiding probate cost piggy bank with money isolated on white

Three Simple Ways to Avoid Probate Costs

The bad news: When a person dies owning property in their sole name without a beneficiary, their loved ones will likely have to go through a court-involved process called probate to transfer the property out of the deceased person’s name and into t… Read More
Neon Sign

Do I Need a Will or a Trust?

Yes: everyone needs a will, a trust, or both. These important tools ensure that your legacy will be carried out according to your wishes and allow you to provide for loved ones after your passing. Having a will or trust in place also saves money and… Read More
When to remove your trustee shown with a Trustee Certificate with money and key

When a Trustee Becomes a Burden: Knowing When to Remove a Trustee

The title of trustee implies that this position should be held by someone you find trustworthy, and for good reason. Serving as a trustee of a trust carries significant responsibility and duty not just to you as the trust’s creator but also to the… Read More
Categories: Estate Planning, Trusts