In most cases, no. Accounts with a properly named, living beneficiary pass directly to that person...
Do Accounts With Beneficiaries Go Through Probate?
read more
Estate Planning Mistakes
Divorce Doesn’t Update Your Estate Plan: Here’s What Does
If you are a divorced father, you already know something that most married fathers don't: showing...
He Sold His Company for $1.2 Billion. He Died Without an Estate Plan.
If something happened to you tomorrow, would the people you love know what to do? Would they have...
Tax Season Forced You to Look. Now Ask the One Question That Actually Matters.
Tax season just made you look at your financial life honestly. All of it. Tax season forced it....
One Death, One Courtroom, One Child – and a Lesson Every Parent Needs to Hear
You probably assume that if something happened to you, the other parent would step in and...
Here’s What Can Happen to Blended Families When a Spouse Dies
If you are in a blended family, you may believe the simplest estate plan is the fairest one: "I'll...
Creating a Trust in Your Will vs. Creating a Living Trust: Part 2
Last week, we covered how it works when you create a trust through your will. This week, I'll show...
Creating a Trust in Your Will vs. Creating a Living Trust: Part 1
You've probably heard that trusts help families avoid probate court and protect assets for the...
Why Quick and Simple Estate Plan Reviews Don’t Exist
When someone calls an estate planning attorney asking for a "quick look" at their documents, the...
Understanding Inheritance Taxes: What You and Your Beneficiaries Need to Know
When planning for your death, there’s one issue you may not have thought about, but is so...
What Happens to Your Debt When You Die?
It's a question I hear often: if I die with debt, will my family be stuck paying it off? The short...
Why So Much Money Ends Up as Unclaimed Property and What That Means for You
This February 1, states across America observe National Unclaimed Property Day, chosen to remind...
Accidental Death at 39: Here’s What You Need to Know
Michael Duarte had everything to live for. At 39, the popular food influencer was building his...
What to Do When You’re Ready to Create Your Estate Plan but Your Spouse Isn’t
When you’re ready to finally put an estate plan in place, it’s natural to feel excited and...
Honoring Your Sacrifice: Estate Planning Essentials for Military Families
Every year in November, the nation pauses to honor the courage and sacrifice of those who’ve...
Estate Planning for Unmarried Couples: Protecting the Life You’ve Built Together
You’ve built a life with someone you love - sharing a home, experiences, and maybe even finances -...
Why You Don’t Want a Consultation, But a Family Wealth Planning Session Instead
A typical consultation with an estate planning lawyer may look like this: you meet, you answer...
Why It Matters to Your Loved Ones That You Work With the Right Lawyer
When someone you love dies, grief hits hard enough. But imagine adding legal chaos, confusing...
The Hidden Risks of Growing Older Without a Life & Legacy Plan
If you are like most people, you probably assume that when the time comes, someone—your spouse,...
Living With Loss: The Daily Impact of Grief and the Gift of Planning Ahead
Losing someone you love reshapes your world in ways you may never expect. Some changes are...