Do-it-yourself estate planning might seem convenient and affordable, but it comes with hidden risks that could cost you more in the long run. Nuances like state-specific laws and personalized strategies often get lost in cookie-cutter approaches, leaving your estate vulnerable to mistakes. A professional’s wisdom, built on years of experience, can help you craft an estate plan tailored to your unique goals and needs.

When should you toss old estate planning documents? If you’ve recently updated your will, trust, or power of attorney, it’s important to know which papers can go and which ones you should keep. Let’s break it down so you can avoid unnecessary clutter and potential legal issues.

One misplaced word in an estate plan can change everything. In today’s blog, we look at how precise wording can protect your wishes and prevent costly mistakes.

When aging parents show signs of mental decline, families can face big challenges. In Don’s case, his son Jim was thrown into a tough situation when he discovered his father’s slipping memory and a surprising $10,000 check written to a housekeeper. This story highlights the importance of early planning and having the right tools in place, like a revocable living trust, to ensure care and manage finances when unexpected challenges arise.

Family estrangement is never easy to talk about, but it’s crucial when planning your estate. This article breaks down common misconceptions about estrangement and explains why ignoring an estranged relative in your estate plan can lead to unintended consequences.

How can you pass down your values to future generations? Leaders like Churchill and Kennedy built legacies by telling stories that shaped identity and purpose. In estate planning, you can do the same for your family, creating a shared legacy that keeps your family’s values alive for years to come.

Hiding valuables in peanut butter jars or the backyard may seem clever, but it can create chaos for loved ones after you’re gone. A simple plan could save them a lot of trouble—and maybe even prevent a dive into the dumpster.

Wearing multiple hats in an estate plan, like being both a trustee and beneficiary, can create conflicts of interest. Careful drafting can help manage these delicate situations.

What we give up when we seek transactions is the wisdom of the seasoned professional who can guide you to create legal, tax, and financial strategies that endure through tough times. A document alone can’t foresee challenges or adapt to changing circumstances, but a trusted advisor can.

A client’s adult daughter recently reached out after her mother’s passing, completely unaware of her role in the estate. To her surprise, she discovered she was not only a beneficiary but also named as the successor trustee—a position carrying significant responsibilities. Discover why it’s crucial to have open discussions with your adult children about their roles in your estate plan.