If you’re wondering who needs an estate plan, the answer is simple: you do. Why? Because everyone age 18 and older needs one. It doesn’t matter whether you’re old or young, have built up considerable wealth, or are just entering adulthood—you need a written plan to control what happens to the things you own and […]

Posted in Estate Planning | No Comments »

Rising housing costs, the desire for companionship, and the need to share resources are increasingly leading buyers to consider co-owning a home with someone other than a spouse, such as a friend, relative, or significant other. Although this arrangement can be beneficial on several levels, it should be approached with open communication, careful planning, and […]

Posted in Estate Planning | No Comments »

As a general rule, a person’s debts do not go away when they die. Some types of debt, such as federal student loans, are typically forgiven upon the debtor’s death, but private loans and cosigned accounts may still be owed after the debtor has passed away. State laws also play a role in handling a […]

Posted in Estate Planning, Trusts | No Comments »

When Ian Burke, a mail carrier from Denton, Texas, heard that Floyd—a 70-pound dog he’d befriended on his delivery route—had ended up in a shelter after his owner’s death, he didn’t hesitate. Burke arrived at the City of Denton Animal Shelter before it opened to be first in line to adopt Floyd and give him a […]

Posted in Estate Planning, Trusts | No Comments »

When you think about estate planning, you probably picture wills, trusts, and who gets what. But what happens when life-or-death medical decisions are made about your body—without your full consent, or when you’re not really gone? Unfortunately, in the absence of clear instructions, loved ones, hospitals, and donation agencies must make fast life-or-death decisions—sometimes under […]

Posted in Estate Planning | No Comments »

The massive tax legislation known as the “One Big Beautiful Bill” (“OBBB”) became law on July 4, 2025, brings sweeping changes that will affect nearly every American family. While much of the media attention has focused on the political drama surrounding its passage, what really matters is how these changes impact your family’s financial security and estate […]

Posted in Estate Planning | No Comments »

As the estate tax exemption has ballooned to $13.99 million, traditional estate tax planning has taken a back seat. Now, a new Estate Planning Tax Time Bomb is ticking—this time fueled by income tax basis issues and a 37% top tax rate. The Basics of Income Tax Basis In its simplest form, income tax basis—often […]

Posted in Estate Planning | No Comments »

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 is right by your children may mean giving unequal inheritances. The Key Takeaways […]

Posted in Estate Planning | No Comments »