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
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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?
Do You Have These Estate Planning Documents That Experts Recommend?
Estate planning is something that you know you should do, but probably is not something that you want to do. It’s not exactly fun to think about because, after all, no one wants to think about getting sick or passing away. However, if something unexpected does happen, having a solid plan in place can make life a lot easier for you and your loved ones. The good news is, estate planning doesn’t have to be complicated. You also don't need to be wealthy to benefit from making an estate plan. … [Read more...] about Do You Have These Estate Planning Documents That Experts Recommend?
5 Tasks Not To Forget When Making an Estate Plan
Creating an estate plan is one of the most important things you might ever do in your lifetime. But very surprisingly, a lot of people aren't doing it. Caring.com says that in 2025, only 24% of people have a will. That's somewhat shocking given how important estate planning is. If you're going to create an estate plan, though, then it's very important to do it correctly. With that in mind, here are a few tasks you should not overlook in the course of putting your estate plan in place. 1. … [Read more...] about 5 Tasks Not To Forget When Making an Estate Plan
How to Decide Who Will be The Best Guardian for Your Kids
Choosing a guardian for your children is one of the most important parts of your estate planning process. It's not fun to think about what would happen if you weren’t around to raise your kids, but it's also essential to be prepared because you will put your kids in a very difficult spot -- and make life much harder for everyone -- if you don't plan for what could happen if you aren't here to raise your kids into adulthood. There's a lot to think about as you decide who would be a good … [Read more...] about How to Decide Who Will be The Best Guardian for Your Kids
3 Situations Where You Can’t Afford to Put Off Estate Planning
Estate planning is very important to securing your financial future and to ensuring that you are able to provide for loved ones. Pretty much everyone should make it a priority to put an estate plan in place, as you never know when something might happen to you, and you could find yourself incapacitated or could pass away and leave your legacy uncertain. While it's a good idea for all adults to make sure they have a proper plan in place, there are three key situations where it becomes … [Read more...] about 3 Situations Where You Can’t Afford to Put Off Estate Planning
Probate Process Problems You Should Take Steps to Avoid
The probate process is the process by which an estate is settled and assets are transferred to heirs and beneficiaries after a death. In California, the probate process can take often take over a year due to court congestion. During this time period, unfortunately, plenty of different things can go wrong. The best way to avoid probate problems is to avoid probate in the first place. This typically involves creating a comprehensive trust-based plan which when properly established and … [Read more...] about Probate Process Problems You Should Take Steps to Avoid
