From Our Desk to Yours
The Missing Will Mystery: How Zappos CEO’s Estate Chaos Could Have Been Avoided
Imagine this: You've built a business empire worth hundreds of millions of dollars, transformed a city's downtown area, and touched countless lives with your vision and generosity. Then,...
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Why A Will Is Not A Suitable Option For Protecting Your Pet
These days, many people consider their pets to be family members. The emotional bond we share with our pets often surpasses that with our human companions. As such, it’s only natural you’d want to...
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Estate Planning Before You Travel: Why It's Critically Important
Vacations can be the perfect opportunity to relax, disconnect from work and responsibilities, and enjoy your spouse, partner, kids, or friend’s company. But before you head off on your next getaway...
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Turning 18? Don’t Skip These 3 Legal Must-Haves
With the arrival of summer, young people across the country are about to reach a key milestone: high school graduation. If you have a child claiming their diploma, now is the time to prepare them...
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Why Business Owners Deserve More Than an Easy or Cheap Estate Plan
Picture this: you've just set up your estate plan using a quick and easy online DIY form or a budget-friendly legal service. Or, your financial advisor drafted it for you for a nominal fee while...
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A Legacy of Honor: Estate Planning as a Lasting Tribute on Memorial Day
When we think about Memorial Day, we often picture parades, flags at half-staff, and moments of silence to honor those who gave their lives in service. But beyond ceremonies and traditions,...
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Protect Seniors: Common Scams to Watch Out for
Understanding the Importance of National Senior Fraud Awareness DayAs we approach National Senior Fraud Awareness Day on May 15, it's crucial to be informed about the scams targeting our elderly...
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The Death Tax May Die—Now What?
Have you ever worked your entire life to build something valuable, only to worry about a significant portion being taken away after your death, and before it gets to the people you love? That's the...
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10 Guardian Mistakes That Could Put Your Kids at Risk (And How to Do It Right)
Imagine this: something unexpected happens, and you're suddenly unable to care for your children. It's a parent's worst nightmare. In this situation, you would want to know that your children will...
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Don’t Make This $700 Million Mistake: Include an Asset Inventory in Your Estate Plan
Imagine accidentally throwing away $700 million. While it sounds like the plot of a movie, this nightmare scenario has become a reality for James Howells, a computer engineer from Wales, who has...
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Gene Hackman's Estate: A Wake-Up Call
The recent passing of legendary actor Gene Hackman has revealed a complicated estate situation that is a powerful warning for everyone - married couples especially - regardless of net worth....
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Why Reviewing Your Trust Regularly Isn't Optional—It's Essential
You've taken the important step of creating an estate plan, including a trust—congratulations! This shows you care deeply about keeping your family out of court and conflict, ensuring your wishes...
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Estate Planning: Preparing for New Family Members
Life is full of joyful changes, such as welcoming new family members, which come with both happiness and responsibilities. In these precious moments, ensuring that your loved ones are taken care of...
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Beyond the FDIC Safety Net: Protecting Your Cash When Your Savings Exceed Insurance Limits
Imagine this: You've spent decades carefully saving money, building a comfortable nest egg representing years of hard work and discipline. One morning, you're sipping coffee and browsing the news...
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Til Death Do Us Part? Why Unmarried Couples Must Have An Estate Plan That Works For the People They Love
Love in the 21st century takes many forms, and for many couples, "forever" doesn't always include a marriage license. While a deeply personal choice, being unmarried adds layers of legal and...
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Planning a Trip? Protect Your Children with a Kids Protection PlanⓇ
As summer approaches, you're likely focused on planning the perfect getaway with your children—booking flights, reserving hotels, and mapping out exciting activities. However, one crucial aspect of...
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Protecting Your Rights: Estate Planning Strategies for Same-Sex Couples
The political landscape is shifting, and many same-sex couples are worried about what could happen if federal protections for their marriages are rolled back. You’ve worked hard to build a life...
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Unlocking Business Stability with Succession Planning
Small businesses often overlook succession planning, but it is essential for securing the future. Without a plan, unexpected leadership changes could disrupt your business. So why is it often...
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Estate Planning During Divorce: Lessons from Shannen Doherty's Legacy
The July 2024 passing of beloved Gen X actress Shannen Doherty offers important lessons about estate planning during divorce. Known for her iconic roles in "Beverly Hills, 90210," “Heathers” and...
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BOI/CTA UPDATE: Treasury Department Suspends Enforcement of Penalties
UPDATE: On March 2, 2025, the U.S. Department of the Treasury announced that it will not enforce any penalties or fines associated with the Corporate Transparency Act (“CTA”) reporting requirements...
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The Unexpected Challenges of Being an Estate Executor
When someone asks you to be the executor of their estate, it might seem like a straightforward responsibility - distribute assets according to their will and handle some paperwork. However, as many...
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What You Need to Know About Trusts & Homeowner’s Insurance
When you create an estate plan with a living trust, you've taken an essential step toward protecting your home and family from the cost of court. However, many people don't realize that placing...
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Missing Assets: Why Estate Planning is More Than Just Documents
Did you know your assets could become "unclaimed property" and be turned over to the government? It happens more than you think! State governments across America currently hold a staggering $60...
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4 Estate Planning Myths That Put Your Loved Ones at Risk
Surveys conducted in 2024 by Caring.com and Ameriprise Financial revealed a troubling trend: Americans are falling behind on estate planning. The Caring.com survey revealed that only 32% of...
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Essential Estate Planning Checklist for Peace of Mind
Proactive estate planning is crucial for bringing peace of mind to individuals and their families. By organizing an estate plan, personal wishes are ensured to be respected, and affairs are kept in...
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Five Essential Steps to Protect Your Loved Ones
Do you know that uneasy feeling when you think about what everyone you love would do if (and when) something happens to you? That nagging voice reminding you that you still haven't created a will...
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Utilizing Estate Planning For FAFSA Eligibility
Understanding how financial aid and estate planning intersect can make a significant difference when preparing for college expenses. This article will explain how asset ownership influences aid...
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Our Top 10 Most Common Estate Planning Questions: Part 2
When planning for your family's future, the options can feel overwhelming. Should you get a will? Create a trust? And what happens if you do nothing at all? These aren't just academic questions -...
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Our Top 10 Most Common Estate Planning Questions: Part 1
Regarding estate planning, I get many questions about many topics. One of the most common questions I hear concerns account ownership and asset management. Understanding how accounts are titled and...
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Start the New Year with an Updated Estate Plan
Why You Should Update Your Estate Plan as the New Year BeginsAs we ring in the new year, it's a popular time for reflections and resolutions. One crucial, yet often overlooked, resolution is to...
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Essential Year-End Estate Planning Checklist
As the year comes to a close, it’s the perfect time to reflect on your financial and personal goals, including your estate plan. Estate planning is a critical task that ensures your assets are...
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Shining a Light on Shelley Duvall’s Death and Estate Plan
Shelley Duvall, best known for her role as Wendy Torrance in The Shining, passed away recently at the age of 75. While her acting legacy continues to captivate fans, her passing reveals important...
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Big Life Change in 2024? Steps to Take Before End of Year
As the year draws to a close, it's a natural time to reflect on any big changes that may have come your way in 2024. Whether you've recently gotten married, divorced, welcomed a new child, or...
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Debunking 4 Common Estate Planning Myths
You might think estate planning is only for the wealthy or too complicated and expensive. These are just a few myths surrounding estate planning that I hear often. In reality, estate planning is...
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A Comprehensive Guide to Disaster Preparedness
In today’s world, where natural disasters and unforeseen events can disrupt our lives immediately, preparedness is no longer a luxury; it’s a necessity. So, to ensure you and your loved ones are...
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Navigating End-of-Life Care: Lessons from a Daughter’s Tragic Experience
In an aging society, you might face difficult end-of-life decisions for your loved ones sooner than expected. And when you do, you’ll realize the journey through end-of-life care is rarely...
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A Power of Attorney May Not Be What You Think
If you’ve ever considered planning for your future or helped someone plan for theirs, you’ve probably heard the term “power of attorney.” But do you know what it is? The terms “power” and “attorney...
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Preventing Family Feuds Over Your Personal Belongings
The passing of a loved one is a heartbreaking event, filled with grief and sorrow. However, the aftermath can become even more painful if disagreements over their personal belongings tear your...
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Matthew Perry’s Estate Plan Demonstrates the Benefits of Trusts
When Matthew Perry, the beloved star of Friends, passed away last year, the world mourned the loss of a comedic icon. However, as details of his estate began to emerge, a curious puzzle presented...
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What Do Lasagna and Estate Planning Have in Common?
Have you ever heard horror stories about families fighting over Grandma’s jewelry or getting stuck in a never-ending legal battle after someone passes away? Or how long it can take to sell a house...
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3 Questions to Ask Yourself Before Creating Your Estate Plan With AI
Have you jumped on the AI bandwagon yet? If so, you’ve probably used it to make your life easier. AI can be incredibly helpful, especially when the stakes are low. Need a personalized meal plan or...
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Reflections on Your Legacy
As the seasons change and we transition from the warmth of summer, it’s a perfect time to reflect on the contributions and achievements that have shaped your life. The work you’ve put into building...
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