New Law Has Big Changes for Estate and Retirement Plans
On January 1, 2020, the Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement Act (SECURE Act) went into effect, and it represents the most significant retirement-planning legislation in decades. Indeed, the changes ushered in by the SECURE Act have dramatic...
Coronavirus and the Impact to Your Wealth, Health and Happiness
While it’s still hard to tell how the Coronavirus will impact us in the long term, it’s become a subject that’s impossible to ignore. While some are advocating we prepare to be quarantined, potentially for months, others are saying the virus is nothing more than a...
7 Events That Necessitate a Review of Your Estate Plan
Did you know that even if you put a completely solid estate plan in place, it can end up proving worthless if it’s not properly updated? Estate planning is not a one-and-done type of deal: It should continuously evolve along with your life circumstances. No matter who...
3 Ways Wise Planning Can Protect Your Family’s Assets
While most people assume only the uber wealthy need to worry about asset protection, those with less wealth and fewer assets may be at even greater risk. For example, if you’re a multi-millionaire, a $50,000 judgment against you might not be that big of a burden. But...
Use Estate Planning to Ensure Your Legacy Doesn’t Get Erased
When you think about those loved ones who’ve passed away, you probably don’t think very much—or even at all—about the “things” they’ve left you. And when they do leave something behind, what you likely cherish most about the object are the memories and feelings it...
Give the Gift of Peace of Mind
Part of estate planning involves deciding how much you want to give away while you’re alive. Many people get a lot of joy from seeing their loved ones receive cash gifts. In some sense, that’s infinitely more gratifying than letting the gifts occur after your death. ...
What You Need to Know About Probate
If you’re thinking about having your estate plan done, one term you will hear over and over again when you talk to professionals about it is “probate”. What is probate? Your estate must go through the probate process if you have certain types of assets. Other assets...
Designating a Guardian for Your Children
We want to share some practical considerations with you--things you should consider before naming one or more people to serve as guardians for your children. The intent is to encourage you to engage in proactive planning, and also to take some pressure off of you. ...
6 Estate Planning Questions You Should Ask Yourself Every Year
If you have not revisited your estate plan this year, ask yourself these 6 questions: 1. Should your estate plan be changed to reflect any new laws, new assets, or changes in your life? 2. Are your assets being tracked so that if anything happens to you, your family...
Give the Gift of Estate Planning
Now is the time to give the gift of estate planning to those you love. This is a gift that will last a lifetime and beyond - and one your family will thank you for! It’s my mission to make sure your family makes the very best legal and financial decisions and is...
Probate & Trust Administration – What to Do First
Have you been named the executor of someone’s estate or the Trustee of a Trust? This is a very important role and the appointment reflects their trust and faith in you to follow their wishes. There are a number of details and important deadlines. Immediately following...
What Is a Special Needs Trust?
How to Care for Children with Special Needs Through Estate Planning. For many people, the basics of estate planning are simple enough, but for those families with loved ones who are disabled or have special needs, the estate planning process is more involved – and...