Estate planning

Initiating discussions about the future with elderly parents often feels daunting. However, approaching this topic early prevents sudden crises and ensures that family members respect your parents’ wishes. You can steer these sensitive discussions smoothly without...

A will is not the first thing most families think about when a child leaves for college, but it probably should be a priority. Once a student turns 18, parents automatically lose legal access to their child’s medical and financial records, and a basic document signed...

Your estate plan is more than just a collection of legal documents. It reflects your wishes, your values and the future you want to build for your family. As your life evolves, your plan should keep pace.  In fact, there are certain milestones that signal that a...

A last will and testament provides important direction for asset distribution, but a property deed often possesses superior legal authority. Many people assume a will governs all property, yet the specific vesting—the legal manner in which title to real estate is...

Naming the person who will manage your estate is a critical part of planning your estate. This role comes with significant responsibilities that require commitment to delivering your wishes. Family members are often the choice for these roles. However, if you are not...

The assets that become a person's estate generally represent a lifetime of hard work and careful financial management. Testators often have clear preferences regarding who inherits specific assets. Frequently, the most important goal for many testators is to ensure...

You've worked hard to build substantial wealth, but creating a comprehensive estate plan requires more than basic wills and trusts. Your complex financial situation demands an integrated approach that considers all aspects of your legacy. Without proper coordination...

Some people establish estate plans to protect their resources as they age. For others, the main incentive is a desire to protect their closest loved ones. People who may have previously avoided estate planning may start thinking about the distant future and...

Estate planning allows people to establish a very specific kind of legacy. They work with a lawyer to draft documents that allow them to allocate their resources to specific beneficiaries after their passing. What other people inherit from the estate may influence how...