Archive for May 2025
The Danger of DIY Beneficiary Designations
When it comes to estate planning, one of the most overlooked (but critically important) areas is beneficiary designations—those forms you fill out for retirement accounts, life insurance policies, annuities, and even some bank or brokerage accounts. These forms may seem simple, but they carry powerful consequences. They override your trust or will, no matter what…
Read MoreThe Quiet Grace of Being Known
There’s a quiet kind of grace in being known—not in the surface-level way where people know your name, your job, your general likes and dislikes—but in the deeper, soul-level way. The way someone knows how your voice changes when you’re overwhelmed, even if you’re trying to sound “fine.” The way they can tell you’re avoiding…
Read MoreThe Secret to Saving Time, Money, and Family Stress? A Plan That Works Behind the Scenes
The best plans aren’t flashy. They don’t make headlines. In fact, you might not even notice them—until something goes wrong, and they quietly kick in to save the day. That’s what estate planning should be: a system that works behind the scenes to protect your family, your wishes, and your peace of mind. Most People…
Read MoreWhat Happens If You’re Temporarily Incapacitated? Your Plan Might Not Say
When we think of estate planning, we often picture the big, permanent events—like passing away or leaving a legacy to loved ones. But what happens if you’re alive and unable to manage your own affairs, even just for a short time? A car accident. A sudden illness. A medical procedure with a longer-than-expected recovery. Temporary…
Read MoreIs Your Estate Plan Built to Work with Your Financial Life—or Against It?
A strong estate plan does more than outline who gets what when you’re gone. It should actively support your financial life while you’re living—and evolve as your goals and assets do. The trouble is, many plans are created in a vacuum. Legal documents live in one silo. Financial strategies in another. Insurance, investments, real estate,…
Read MoreWhen Life Gets More Complex, So Should Your Estate Plan
Life has a way of getting more layered as time goes on. Families grow. Careers evolve. New homes, businesses, and responsibilities get added to the mix. But while life keeps changing, many people assume their estate plan doesn’t need to. The truth? A plan that worked five—or even two—years ago might no longer reflect your…
Read MoreNew Baby, New Priorities: How Having a Child Changes Your Estate Plan
Bringing a new child into your family is a joyful milestone. Whether it’s your first baby or you’re growing your crew, this exciting life change comes with new responsibilities—and that includes taking a fresh look at your estate plan. It’s not just about money or legal documents. It’s about protecting your child, making intentional decisions,…
Read MoreTransitions and Tributes
Traditionally, spring has been about new beginnings and a rebirth from the dead of winter. From religion recognizing Easter and Passover, to cherry blossoms in our nation’s capital, to a new season of baseball, spring brings a sense of promise, growth, and transformation. Over the years, and with a little help from Hallmark and other…
Read More“It Looked So Real!” – How to Protect Yourself and Loved Ones from the Most Common Scams Targeting Seniors
In today’s digital world, scams have become more sophisticated than ever—and unfortunately, they often target the most trusting among us: our aging loved ones. From text messages pretending to be from UPS, to fake toll road violations, to phishing calendar invites that pop up right on your phone or computer, scammers are using technology to…
Read MoreIt’s National Elder Law Month: What Does That Mean for You?
May is National Elder Law Awareness Month, a time to spotlight the essential legal tools available to support aging adults and their families. As we grow older, our legal needs evolve. Elder law isn’t just about wills and trusts—it’s about preserving dignity, independence, and financial stability throughout the aging process. Whether it’s planning for future…
Read MoreWhen Your Teen Turns 18, the Rules Change: Why a Young Adult Emergency Plan Matters
Turning 18 is a major milestone—one that brings newfound freedom and responsibility. Legally, your child becomes an adult overnight. While that’s cause for celebration, it also comes with some lesser-known legal realities that can catch families off guard. What Changes When Your Child Turns 18? Once your child reaches adulthood, your legal rights as a…
Read MoreParkinson’s Disease and the Power of Proactive Planning
A diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease can bring uncertainty and overwhelm—but also an opportunity to plan ahead with purpose. Because Parkinson’s is a progressive condition, early legal planning can make a significant difference in maintaining control, care, and peace of mind. Parkinson’s affects everyone differently, but one thing remains constant: the importance of preparing for what…
Read MoreYesterday’s Vibe is Today’s Mindset
Lately, I’ve been thinking about how much of yesterday we unintentionally carry into today. The conversations we had. The tension we didn’t resolve. The way we felt when we woke up, or how we collapsed into bed. Even the little things — a to-do list left unfinished, a laugh shared over dinner, or that quiet…
Read MoreWays to Keep a Loved One’s Memory Alive After They Pass
When somebody close to us passes away, we are left with constant reminders of them. Maybe it is a jacket hanging in the closet that still bears the scent of their cologne, a dog-eared book on their nightstand, their handwriting on a scrap of paper, a bench where they sat and fed the ducks, or…
Read MoreWhat to Expect During Probate—and How We Can Help
Losing a loved one is never easy. In the midst of grief, many families also find themselves handling legal and financial matters—which may include going through the probate process. If you’ve been named as an executor or personal representative, or are simply trying to understand your next steps, you’re not alone. At Snyder Law, PC,…
Read MoreCan an Irrevocable Trust Be Changed? Here’s What You Need to Know
When you hear the word “irrevocable,” it’s easy to assume it means permanent and unchangeable. And while it’s true that irrevocable trusts are designed to be binding, the law has evolved to recognize that sometimes life—and circumstances—change. So what happens when a trust that once made perfect sense no longer fits the current needs of…
Read MoreUnlocking the Power of the Heggstad Petition: A Lifesaver in Trust Administration
When someone passes away, one of the first things their loved ones do is look to the estate plan for guidance. Ideally, everything has been carefully organized and funded into a living trust, allowing the family to avoid probate. But what happens when an asset was meant to be in the trust… but isn’t? This…
Read MoreThe Heart of the Home
There are many words to describe what a mother truly is to her children and family – the heart, the glue, the rock are just some among many others. As I reflect on the mothers in my own life, all are very true. However, I can confidently add one more descriptor – pure gold. Recently…
Read MorePlanning Is an Act of Protection — Not Prediction: What You Can Do Now, Even If Life Feels Uncertain
Many people delay estate planning because they don’t feel “ready.” They’re unsure who they’d name as guardians, how much money they’ll have in the future, or whether their life circumstances will change. But here’s the truth: You don’t need to have everything figured out to make meaningful progress. Modern estate planning is built to support…
Read MoreMom’s Legacy Is More Than a Recipe Book: Honoring Her Through Planning
Mother’s Day often brings to mind handwritten recipes, photo albums, and family traditions passed down from generation to generation. But a mother’s legacy goes far beyond the tangible — it lives in her values, her voice, and the way she made others feel. If you’ve ever thought about how to honor your mother — or…
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