One of the most overlooked parts of estate planning is what happens if you pass away while traveling. Whether you’re on vacation, visiting family, or away for work, the logistics of returning home can be complicated—and costly. That’s why we recommend Travel Plan by Inman to our clients. This trusted program offers a simple, affordable […]
Planning for Families
5 Easy Tips to Simplify Your Charitable Giving
Will you be donating to charities this year? The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) reminds us that you must itemize deductions on Schedule A of your tax return to claim a deduction for charitable gifts. The following five tips can also help ensure that your charitable gifts count. Tip #1: Give to a qualified charity. Only […]
Want to Disinherit Someone? This Is What You Need to Know
Disinheritance—the intentional exclusion of a family member, usually a child or spouse, from receiving part of your estate after your death—is more common than you might think. It is also easier than you might think to disinherit a loved one, with a couple of notable exceptions. However, it is not as simple as omitting someone’s […]
Estate Planning Strategies to Protect Your Spouse
You found the love of your life, and as you have built your life together, you have likely weathered your fair share of storms and grown stronger because of them. Now that you are married, you are uniquely situated to provide meaningful support for your spouse after your passing through special estate planning tools available […]
Money Can’t Talk—But Your Estate Plan Can Speak for You
Your estate plan is more than a legal tool. It’s your voice—preserved on paper—ready to speak for you when you no longer can. It can tell your family how to carry out your wishes, guide loved ones through difficult decisions, and even express your values long after you’re gone. In the absence of your direction, […]
The Unspoken Risks of ‘Set It and Forget It’ Planning
Creating an estate plan is a powerful step—but it’s not the finish line. One of the most common (and costly) mistakes people make is assuming that once their documents are signed, their plan is complete forever. The reality? Life doesn’t stand still—and neither should your estate plan. Why “Set It and Forget It” Doesn’t Work […]
June Checklist: 6 Small Planning Tweaks That Prevent Big Future Messes
Estate planning doesn’t always require a massive overhaul. In fact, small updates—especially when done regularly—can prevent the most stressful and expensive problems for your family later on. That’s why June, the mid-point of the year, is a perfect time for a quick check-in. Below is a simple six-point checklist to help ensure your plan is […]
The Hidden Gaps in Most Estate Plans—and How to Fix Them
Most people feel a sense of relief once their estate plan is finally signed—like checking a big task off a long list. And that peace of mind is well-earned. But here’s the truth: even well-drafted estate plans can have gaps that create stress, confusion, or unintended consequences down the line. Estate planning isn’t just about […]
Don’t Let Summer Go By Without Reviewing Your Plan
Summer is a season of slowing down, soaking up sunshine—and for many families, reconnecting. But amidst vacations, graduations, and backyard barbecues, one important task often gets overlooked: your estate plan. While it might not seem like beach-reading material, summer is actually the perfect time to revisit your plan and make sure it still reflects your […]
The 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 […]
What 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 […]
Is 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, […]
When 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 […]
New 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, […]
It’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 […]
Parkinson’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 […]
Ways 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 […]
What 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, […]
Unlocking 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 […]
Mom’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 […]