Strategic Estate Planning
Can Achieve Your Objectives
Celebrate National Make a Will Month
Which Will Would You Choose? If you or your loved ones have not yet created a will, you are not alone. In fact, according to a recent survey, not having created a will puts you among the majority of Americans. Learn more about why estate planning should be done early,...
Now Is the Time to Cultivate and Build Relationships
The New Year Has Begun The beginning of a new year is an opportune time to focus on family. A comprehensive estate plan can act as a roadmap, shielding your loved ones from uncertainties and providing peace of mind for both you and your family. Protecting...
Want a Greater Sense of Purpose? Plan Your Legacy
When you think about the legacy you’ll leave, what comes to mind? Perhaps it’s security for your family or a positive contribution to your community. It could also be a tribute to the arts. Whatever it is, you don’t have to wait until you pass on to actualize your...
Did You Choose More Than One Successor Trustee?
When selecting a successor trustee for a trust, it is common for the individual who creates the trust (the trustmaker) to choose one person to serve as a successor trustee at a time. Some attorneys routinely recommend that only a single successor trustee be appointed...
Creating a Treasure Map: The Benefits of Preparing an Inventory before Death
If you have already done your estate planning, you have taken a significant step toward ensuring that your loved ones will know how to manage your affairs if you become incapacitated or die. However, simply having a will or a trust and related estate planning...
The Pros and Cons of Powers of Appointments
An often misunderstood but common estate planning tool that can appear in estate planning documents is the power of appointment. Not to be confused with a power of attorney (the document that allows you to delegate certain powers to an agent to act on your behalf...
How to Responsibly Leave an Inheritance to Your Grandchildren
Estate planning attorneys frequently hear from their clients, “I’d like to leave something to my grandchildren. What’s the best way to do that?” Naturally, grandparents love their grandchildren and want them to succeed in life. And when grandparents are in the...
How to Protect Your Retirement Accounts
Most people are shocked to learn that their retirement accounts can be seized once they pass to their loved ones. During your lifetime, your retirement funds have fairly comprehensive asset protection, meaning they cannot be taken in a lawsuit. Unfortunately, as soon...
When Is It Critical to Review Your Estate Plan, and Why?
Just like other important life tasks, your estate plan deserves your time and attention. It’s important that you work with us to review your estate plan at least once a year. Think of this as your estate plan’s annual physical exam, and remember—prevention is the best...
The Trust Protector: Your Guardian Angel
What Is a Trust Protector? Traditionally, the three roles that must be filled when setting up a trust are the settlor (also called a grantor, trustor, or trustmaker), the trustee, and the beneficiary. All three roles are necessary to create a trust that functions...