Although many Estate Plans have a Revocable Trust as the foundation for the plan, Wills play an important role in a comprehensive Estate Plan. Alarmingly, most Americans don’t have a Will even though they know it’s important. As National Make a Will month comes to a close, let’s explore the often overlooked and neglected Estate Planning document, the Will. Continue reading to learn more. … [Read more...] about National Make-a-Will Month
Estate Planning
Why Making an Estate Plan for Your Pets is Essential
When you have pets, you already know that those pets become a part of the family. That's why it is so important to include your animals and to make an estate plan for your pets that ensures they are protected if you become incapacitated or pass away. The sad reality is that the ASPCA reports that 5.8 million dogs and cats entered shelters and rescues in 2024, and, in recent years, there has been a substantial increase in the amount of time that large dogs end up staying in shelters prior … [Read more...] about Why Making an Estate Plan for Your Pets is Essential
How Specific Devises Impact Inheritance
Parents often decide to leave one child a specific asset and provide an equalizing cash bequest to the other. This article by my friend and colleague Tereina Stidd, an estate planning expert, explores how specific bequests may provide unintended results. Continue reading to learn more. … [Read more...] about How Specific Devises Impact Inheritance
Hulk Hogan and Disclaimers…?
When Terry Bollea, aka “Hulk Hogan,” died on July 24 at age 71 in Florida, something different but important for Estate Planning practitioners came into play: disclaimers. My friend and colleague Tereina Stidd, an estate planning expert, explains this interesting concept. Continue reading to learn more. … [Read more...] about Hulk Hogan and Disclaimers…?
“Let’s Go Crazy” … Over Prince’s Estate
When Prince died over nine (9) years ago, he shocked his fans one last time. Turns out, his unexpected death wasn’t the last surprise. Prince died without an Estate Plan causing his siblings to spend the next six years fighting over his Estate. My friend and colleague Tereina Stidd, an estate planning expert, looked into this situation,. Continue reading to learn more. … [Read more...] about “Let’s Go Crazy” … Over Prince’s Estate
What Football and Estate Planning Have in Common
Many Americans love football. In some way football and Estate Planning share many commonalities. My friend and colleague Tereina Stidd, an estate planning expert, shares her thoughts here: learn more. … [Read more...] about What Football and Estate Planning Have in Common
Preparing for FinCEN Real Estate Reporting
Although the Corporate Transparency Act’s Beneficial Ownership Information reports no longer apply to domestic entities due to their exemption, another FinCEN requirement is moving full steam ahead, and estate planning attorneys should not overlook it. Starting December 1, 2025, professionals involved in real estate closings and settlements will be required to submit reports to FinCEN for certain non-financed transfers of residential property to legal entities or trusts. Check here for more … [Read more...] about Preparing for FinCEN Real Estate Reporting
Estate Planning Tasks To Do Before 65
Some people start their estate planning when they turn 65. And it's easy to see why they might wait that long. Age 65 is an age when many people retire, and it's when Medicare starts. So that often serves as a reminder for people to begin the estate planning process. But there are a number of key estate planning tasks you need to do before turning 65. Here are four to keep on your radar to avoid issues. 1. Decide which estate planning documents to use It's important to have a … [Read more...] about Estate Planning Tasks To Do Before 65
Splitting Assets Among Children: 3 Mistakes to Avoid
Having multiple children can be a very rewarding thing. When you have more than one child, you know they have a built-in support system and, if you're lucky, a best friend for life. Having more than one child, however, can make estate planning more complicated. When you have one child, you may decide to designate them as the sole beneficiary of your estate. That's easy. When you have multiple children, it's important to split your assets fairly. A 2025 Northwestern Mutual survey found that … [Read more...] about Splitting Assets Among Children: 3 Mistakes to Avoid
AI In Estate Planning: More Trouble Than It’s Worth?
AI is becoming an incredibly powerful new tool that many people have embraced to accomplish all sorts of tasks. This can include taking care of certain legal tasks. Since AI promises to do all sorts of things for you, you may be tempted to try to use it as part of your estate planning process. Unfortunately, this could be a big mistake. There is ample evidence that suggests artificial intelligence is not necessarily ready for prime time, especially when it comes to taking care of important … [Read more...] about AI In Estate Planning: More Trouble Than It’s Worth?
