» Wills

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What to Do When Your Doctor Tells You to Get Your Affairs in Order

Five words no one ever wants to hear from their doctor are “Get your affairs in order.” Unfortunately, 76 percent of Americans do not have a will, and it often requires a chronic disease, terminal illness diagnosis, or other life-changing event t… Read More
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How to Own Your Real Estate

Your real estate encompasses not only your primary residence but also any vacation homes, rental properties, or even vacant land you may own. The ideal form of ownership varies depending on the type of property and your individual circumstances. Your… Read More
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The Hidden Gender Gap in Estate Planning—and How to Close It

You have probably heard of the gender pay gap. But there is also another common disparity: the estate planning gender gap. Although the two are interrelated to some extent—earning less than men puts women on an unequal path to investment and retire… Read More
Deed To A House to use for joint owners as JTWROS

Caution: Using a Do-it-Yourself Deed to Avoid Probate Can Lead to Costly Unintended Consequences

One goal of estate planning is to ensure that your assets, including your home, pass to your chosen beneficiaries quickly and with minimal expense. In real estate, a common strategy to avoid probate (the court process of validating a will and distrib… Read More
Notebook with Inheritance written on the front, image of car, home and family in wood cut out

Why Receiving an Inheritance Changes Your Estate Plan

Receiving an inheritance can be a meaningful and transformative experience, but it can also create challenges if not handled thoughtfully. Without a clear plan, an inheritor may struggle to manage newly acquired assets, face creditor or tax issues, o… Read More
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Foster Children in an Estate Plan

A foster child may come into your life through the court system, an agency, or your own extended family. However it begins, the relationship can grow into something deeply personal, with the unshakable feeling that this child is yours. However, the l… Read More
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Committed, Protected, Prepared: Estate Planning Tips for Unmarried Couples

More couples than ever are building deep, lasting relationships without ever walking down the aisle and staying as an unmarried couple. Whether by choice, circumstance, or principle, many Americans are opting out of marriage—but not out of commitme… Read More
when to update an estate plan

Estate Plans Age Too: How to Keep Yours Fresh and Effective

Your estate plan is one of the most important sets of legal tools you will ever create. An estate plan is designed to protect you, your loved ones, and your money and property. It can minimize taxes and fees and ensure that your loved ones are taken… Read More
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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
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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