» Trusts

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
Close up of shocked female eye looking through a keyhole who is nosey neighbor

Nosy Neighbor Nellie Can Find Out About Your Probate: Keeping Your Probate Private

Most people think of probate (the process of collecting, managing, and distributing a deceased person’s money and property) as a private process. However, because probate involves the court system, most filings become a matter of public record, par… Read More
Hand Writing Priorities Word Cloud for Estate Planning Priorities

Trust Funding: Setting Your Trustee Up for Success

A revocable living trust can serve as a valuable estate planning tool to help ensure that your finances remain well managed if you become incapacitated (unable to manage your affairs while you are alive) and to provide future financial security for y… Read More
Categories: Probate, Property, Trusts
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
Newlyweds walk down the aisle after being married, family applauds

Estate Planning Strategies to Protect Your Spouse

You found the love of your life, and as you have built your life together, you have likely weathered your fair share of storms and grown stronger because of them. Now that you are married, you are uniquely situated to provide meaningful support for y… Read More
Blue neon sign TIME TO UPDATE; a red megaphone

AB Trusts—Do You Need to Get Rid of Yours?

If the last time you and your spouse updated your estate plan was more than a decade ago, your estate plan may contain what is sometimes referred to as AB trust planning, which, until 2011, was the only way married couples could take advantage of bot… Read More
Categories: Estate Planning, Trusts
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
Legacy written on a wooden cube in front of a laptop to show avoiding a will contest

Four Tips to Avoid a Will Contest

Fighting over provisions in your will or trust can derail your final wishes, rapidly deplete your financial legacy, and tear your loved ones apart. However, with proper planning, you can help your family avoid a will contest and potentially a disastr… Read More