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 everything would work itself out. In many families, that’s true. But not always. Real life is messy. Parents separate. Relationships become contentious. Custody disputes drag on for years. And when a tragedy occurs in the middle of all of […]
Here’s What Happens to Your Retirement Accounts After You Die
Retirement accounts like 401(k)s and IRAs often represent the single largest category of wealth for American families. According to recent data, retirement funds in these accounts alone total roughly $21 trillion, and for many households, they compose over 34% of average household assets, even exceeding home equity. Given this scale, understanding how these accounts transfer […]
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 you how a trust created during your lifetime (called a revocable living trust) functions differently, what your family experiences when you’ve set up a living trust, and how to decide which approach truly fits your situation. […]
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 people you love. Maybe you’ve even talked to a lawyer who mentioned including a trust in your will. It sounds like a good solution, but here’s what most people don’t realize: a trust created in your will works very differently […]
THE REAL COST TO YOUR FAMILY OF FAILED ESTATE PLANNING: NOT UPDATING YOUR PLAN
If you’re like most people, you probably view estate planning as a burdensome necessity—just one more thing to check off of life’s endless “to-do” list. You may shop around and find a lawyer to create planning documents for you, or you might try creating your own DIY plan using online documents. Then, you’ll put those […]
Your Business Is Valuable – But Is It Built to Last Without You?
You have likely spent years building your business into something that works. It generates income, serves customers, and supports your family. For many business owners, it is the most significant asset they own, both financially and personally. Yet despite its importance, one critical question often goes unexamined: what happens to the business if you are […]
The Lady Bird Deed: 5 Risks to Consider Beyond Medicaid Protection
You own your home. Maybe it’s your most significant asset. Perhaps you’ve heard about Lady Bird Deeds and how they can help you avoid probate and protect your home for your children. A friend told you about them, or maybe you saw something online about how they’re simple, inexpensive, and effective. All of that is […]
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 answer is it depends on several factors, including the type of debt you have, how your assets are titled, and whether anyone co-signed on your obligations. Understanding how debt works after death can help […]
Where Will You Live and How Will You Get and Pay For Care As You Age? A Legal and Practical Guide
If you’re planning for your own future or helping aging parents, understanding options for living and long-term care isn’t just about finding a nice place to live. It’s about navigating a complex web of legal, financial, and personal decisions that will affect quality of life, inheritance, and family dynamics for generations to come. Let’s break […]
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 you about a surprisingly widespread financial problem: billions of dollars in forgotten assets currently held by state governments, waiting for their rightful owners to claim them. This observance exists for one practical reason: to help you reclaim money and assets that […]
