Picture this: You’ve built a company worth hundreds of millions, revitalized a city, and inspired people with your generosity and creativity. Then, unexpectedly, you pass away… and nearly five years later, a will suddenly appears—one that no one even knew existed. Meanwhile, your family has been caught in years of legal battles, emotional stress, andRead more

Do I Need a Will or a Trust?  If you’ve ever found yourself wondering, “Do I need a Will or a Trust?”—you’re not alone. It’s one of the most common questions we hear. And while the answer depends on your unique situation, let’s break it down in a way that actually makes sense (no law degreeRead more

When most people hear “legacy planning,” they think of finances and inheritance. While those are important, the legacy your family will treasure most often has nothing to do with money. It’s the wisdom passed down from grandparents, the shared traditions that bring joy, and the values that define your family’s unique story. After years ofRead more

You’ve probably heard the stories: family feuds over Grandma’s jewelry, endless legal battles over an inheritance, or a home that sits unsold for years because it’s tied up in court. Sadly, these situations happen all the time, even to high-profile families. The good news? With the right plan, a lot of this heartache is preventable.Read more

Spoiler Alert: If you haven’t watched the first season of House of the Dragon, proceed with caution—spoilers ahead! If there’s one thing that House of the Dragon teaches us, it’s that planning for the future is crucial. While you might not be vying for the Iron Throne, estate planning is essential for ensuring that yourRead more

Memorial Day brings an opportunity to reflect on the concepts of mortality, remembrance, and legacy. As we remember the brave men and women who lost their lives serving in the military, may this day also inspire you to think about the legacy you wish to leave behind. But, first, what is a legacy, really? “Legacy”Read more

Moms spend their days and nights thinking about how to make sure their children are happy, healthy, and safe. If you’re a mom, you know. If you aren’t a mom, you were born because of a mom.  So, as  Mother’s Day approaches, let’s talk about the most meaningful gift you can give or receive onRead more

Beyond the epic space battles and intergalactic politics, the Star Wars saga offers insights into legacy planning. Let’s explore some valuable lessons from a galaxy far, far away: #1—Families Can Be Complicated: The Skywalker family reminds us of the complexities inherent in familial relationships. From the fraught bond between Anakin and Luke Skywalker to theRead more

When that extra bit of money from your tax refund lands in your bank account, (kinda feels like Christmas, doesn’t it?)  it’s easy to start dreaming about all the ways you can use it. Financial experts may tell you that it’s a chance to pay off debts, tuck away savings for an emergency, or addRead more

If you’ve thought about estate planning, you probably associate it with preparing for death. But did you know there are critical reasons (and significant benefits) for planning while you’re still alive? That’s why I refer to my services as Life & Legacy Planning. When done right, planning for your assets and your death is somethingRead more

As we welcome the New Year, filled with hope and resolutions for a brighter future, if you have minor children or grandchildren, put this commitment at the top of your list– a Kids Protection Plan®.   Even if you have already named legal guardians for your children (or your siblings have done it for their kids,Read more

Losing a loved one is an incredibly challenging experience, and the journey through grief can be both complex and overwhelming. Unfortunately, we all experience grief at one time or another, and knowing how to manage your own grief and how to be there for others who are grieving is an important skill that can improveRead more

Business ownership is a fulfilling and exciting endeavor, but it also comes with rules, responsibilities, and reporting requirements that can be hard to track. If you own a small business or have a Trust that owns a business interest, you’ll need to comply with the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) come January. Beginning January 1, 2024,Read more

The holidays are right around the corner, which means more time to gather with family and relatives than any other time of the year. If you’ve been meaning to talk to your family about money, inheritance, end-of-life decisions, estate planning, and creating a plan for your whole family’s wealth—now and in the future—having everyone inRead more

When you think of estate planning, a Will is usually the first thing that comes to mind. In fact, most people who contact me tell me they don’t need anything complicated for their estate—just a Will. Indeed, Wills have a reputation as the number one estate planning tool and can be seen all over TVRead more

When it comes to estate planning and wills, you have a variety of options for legal documents. The most common of these options is a “last will and testament,” which is also known simply as a “will.” But you may have also heard people talk about a “living will” and wonder what that is, andRead more

As the need for affordable legal services becomes even more important in today’s world, it’s common to opt for group legal insurance offered through your workplace benefits. These group insurance plans provide free legal assistance for a variety of needs from law firms that have contracted with the insurance company to provide the legal work.Read more

Including a Trust as part of your estate plan is a smart decision. It allows you to avoid probate, maintain privacy, and distribute your assets to your loved ones while also providing them with a lifetime of asset protection, if you choose it for them. But, here’s the thing you might not know, and isRead more

  As a parent, you have probably thought about the importance of naming permanent legal guardians for your child in case something happens to you, and maybe you have already done it. If you haven’t yet, take this as the sign that now’s the time to do it, in case the unthinkable happens to you.Read more

August is National Make-A-Will Month and you may have received an advertisement in your inbox or mailbox from AARP or the American Red Cross reminding you to get your Will taken care of this month. Both AARP and the Red Cross promoted their partnerships with FreeWill.com, a website that claims to help you create aRead more