Having an estate plan is a smart way to protect yourself and your loved ones, both now and in the future. Your first estate plan is based on what’s happening in your life at the time it’s created. But life changes, and it’s important that your plan adapts as well. Sometimes we can build flexibility […]
Trusts & Trust Administration Blog
Estate Planning: Setting Your Priorities Straight
Thinking about the future, especially what happens after we pass, can be tough. It’s not something we like to dwell on, but creating an estate plan can help you ensure your loved ones are taken care of. By setting clear priorities, you can craft a plan that reflects your wishes and provides a secure future […]
What Real Estate Owners Don’t Know Can Hurt Them
The old saying, “what you don’t know won’t hurt you,” does not apply to real estate law. Ignorance of the law is never an excuse. In the U.S., everyone is expected to know and follow the law, whether they are aware of it or not. For real estate owners, the legal landscape is full of […]
The Rising Cost of Long-Term Care
Do you have a family member or client who is receiving some form of long-term care? If you don’t, the chances are good that someday you will – and that day may not be too far away. As the U.S. population ages and life expectancies increase, the need for long-term care is becoming an important […]
Trustee Training: Educating Your Successor Trustee
When creating a trust, selecting a successor trustee is one of the most critical decisions you’ll make. This individual will manage your trust assets and carry out your wishes after you are no longer able to do so. However, choosing the right person is only the first step. Ensuring that your successor trustee is well-prepared […]
 Is “Aging in Place” Right for Me?
Rather than moving into assisted living facilities or nursing homes, most older adults are aging in place and remaining in their homes and communities. For those who wish to maintain their independence and continue living at home as they grow older, taking certain steps to protect their physical, mental, and financial welfare is essential. What […]
Real Estate: Benefits of a Limited Liability Company
When it comes to real estate investments, choosing the right structure for ownership is crucial. Among the various business structures available, the Limited Liability Company (LLC) has become a popular choice for real estate investors. Here’s why an LLC might be beneficial if you’re involved in real estate: 1. Liability Protection for Real Estate One […]
Understanding Trust Administration
Trust administration is the process of managing the assets held within a trust according to the terms laid out by the trust’s creator (grantor). It involves overseeing the trust’s operations from the point of the grantor’s death or incapacitation until the final distribution of its assets. The objective is to ensure that the beneficiaries receive […]
Beyond Wealth: The Real Value of Estate Planning
When you hear the term “estate planning,” what comes to mind? For many, it conjures images of vast fortunes, luxurious estates, and high-powered legal teams. It’s a misconception that estate planning is solely reserved for the wealthy. In reality, estate planning is a critical tool for anyone who wants to safeguard what they’ve worked tirelessly […]
The Importance of Healthcare Planning
As April blooms with new beginnings, it also marks a time of reflection and proactive planning in the realm of healthcare. National Healthcare Decisions Day (NHDD), observed annually on April 16th, serves as a reminder of the critical importance of healthcare directives in ensuring that our medical wishes are known and respected, especially during times […]
Spring Into Action: Getting Your Affairs in Order
Spring isn’t just a time for cleaning out closets and planting gardens—it’s also an opportune moment to take stock of your financial and legal affairs. Whether you’re just starting your estate planning journey or looking to refresh existing documents, spring is the perfect time to get organized and ensure your affairs are in order. Here’s […]
A Guide to Spring Cleaning Your Estate Plan
As the flowers bloom and the days lengthen, it’s a perfect time to freshen up not just your home, but also your financial and legal affairs. Just as you tidy up your living space during spring cleaning, it’s essential to review and update your estate plan to ensure it reflects your current wishes and circumstances. […]
Planning Ahead: Long-Term Care Options for Aging in Place
As we navigate the journey of aging, one of our most cherished desires is often to remain in the comfort and familiarity of our own homes. Aging in place allows us to maintain our independence, cherished routines, and sense of belonging within our communities. However, unforeseen health challenges or changes in mobility can present obstacles […]
Ensuring Your Young Adult’s Future
As your child transitions into adulthood, there are many milestones to celebrate and responsibilities to consider. Amidst the excitement of their newfound independence, it’s crucial not to overlook the importance of estate planning. While it may seem premature to think about such matters, establishing a comprehensive estate plan for your young adult child can provide […]
Tax-Efficient Transfer Strategies for Your Estate Plan
One key aspect of effective estate planning is minimizing tax liabilities through strategic transfer strategies. By employing tax-efficient techniques, you can ensure that more of your hard-earned assets go to your loved ones and charitable causes. Here are some tax-efficient transfer strategies to help you achieve your estate planning goals. 1. Annual Gifting Each year, […]
Preparing for the Unexpected: Powers of Attorney
Life is unpredictable. From sudden illness to unforeseen accidents, there are numerous situations where you might find yourself unable to make decisions for yourself. In such scenarios, having powers of attorney (POA) in place can be invaluable. A power of attorney is a legal document that allows someone else to make decisions on your behalf […]
Maximizing the Benefits of Your Trust for a Secure Retirement
Preparing for retirement involves careful consideration of various financial tools and strategies to ensure a comfortable and secure future. Among these, a well-structured trust can play a pivotal role in safeguarding your assets, minimizing tax liabilities, and facilitating the seamless transfer of wealth to future generations. As you approach retirement, leveraging the benefits of your […]
Legal Adulthood: Rights, Responsibilities, and PreparednessÂ
Stepping into adulthood signifies more than just reaching a certain age; it marks the transition to a phase of life filled with rights, responsibilities, and the need for preparedness. In the eyes of the law, adulthood brings with it a host of legal privileges and obligations. One crucial aspect of this preparedness is ensuring that […]
Green Legacy: Eco-Friendly Estate Planning
Estate planning is a crucial aspect of securing your family’s future and ensuring your assets are distributed according to your wishes upon your passing. But have you ever considered how your estate planning can also leave a positive impact on the environment? In an era when sustainability and eco-friendliness are paramount, eco-friendly estate planning is […]
A Young Adult’s Guide: Navigating the Legal Landscape
Turning 18 marks the beginning of legal adulthood and comes with several significant implications in the eyes of the law. Here are five essential legal aspects that young adults should be aware of when it comes to estate planning. 1. Legal Independence at 18 When a young adult reaches the age of 18, they gain […]