We know it is difficult, even horrific, to imagine someone else raising your children. However, you must consider who you would choose to fill this important role. Otherwise, a judge—a stranger who does not know you or your wishes, your child, or your relatives and friends—will determine who raises your children if something happens to you. Potentially, your children’s guardian…[...]

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While the term fiduciary is a legal term with a rich history, it generally means someone who is legally obligated to act in another person’s best interest. Trustees, executors, and agents are examples of fiduciaries. When you select people to fill these roles in your estate plan, you are picking one or more people to make decisions in the best interests of…[...]

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Whether it’s to qualify for Medicaid, avoid probate, or reduce your tax burden, transferring ownership of your home to your adult child during your lifetime may seem like a smart move. But in nearly all cases, it’s actually a huge mistake, which can lead to dire consequences for everyone involved. With this in mind, before you sign over the title…[...]

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The Estate Tax Exemption is a tax imposed by the federal government when property and assets are transferred to your heirs and beneficiaries at your death. Currently, the federal estate tax exempts up to $13.61 million of your estate, meaning your heirs or beneficiaries will not have to pay tax on an asset or property up to that amount. Only…[...]

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Parenting is difficult and can be even more so for those with a special needs child. Availability of resources can be hard to come by for some parents and the quality of programs can greatly vary by state, county, and school district. Not everyone has the same access to resources, and therefore, it can be hard for many parents to…[...]

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Probate is required when a person passes and leaves behind assets that are solely in their name. A probate case, overseen by the court, is the process designed to validate the deceased person’s will if one exists, pay off any outstanding debts and taxes, and distribute the remaining assets to the rightful heirs or beneficiaries. Typical scenarios requiring probate include…[...]

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People often put off estate planning for many reasons. We make excuses such as….a trust is too costly, I don’t have enough assets to make it worth the effort, or I’m too young, so I’ll worry about it later. But the more lies and excuses you tell yourself, the more you put yourself and your family at risk of losing…[...]

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Your estate is made up of all your personal possessions, including your home, vehicles, bank accounts, investments, insurance, household items, and more. But your wealth is much more than just your financial assets. It includes your purposes, passions, family values, memories, and stories that make up your personal legacy. The purpose of estate planning is to give you control over how your…[...]

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As you’ve probably noticed by now, we’re in the midst of great economic shifts. The roller coaster of the stock market, rising interest rates, dropping home values, and inflation through the roof. For many, it can be a great financial setback. During every economic shift, whether it’s the Great Depression, the last Great Recession, or even during the pandemic, some…[...]

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If a friend or family member has asked you to serve as trustee for their trust upon their death, you should feel honored—this means they consider you among the most honest, reliable, and responsible people they know. However, being a trustee is not only a great honor, but also a major responsibility. The job can entail a wide array of…[...]

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