A Special Needs Trust (also called a Supplemental Needs Trust) is a legal document that holds assets for a person with disabilities, while also providing legal authority for a trustee to manage money and make financial decisions on behalf of the individual with special needs. Read on to discover four common mistakes in creating a […]
Children
Is It a Bad Idea to Add My Kids to Title of My Home?
We often get asked this question: “wouldn’t this just be an easier way to avoid probate?” The reality is that is, of course, an option. However, there are many pitfalls (we detail 7 here) with that approach that get overlooked or are unknown. Watch this video to get the information you need before making such […]
New Baby? Time to Create Your Estate Plan
Estate planning is often one item that gets pushed back on nearly everyone’s to-do list. That’s especially the case when you are so focused on loving and caring for your new bundle of joy. The other reasons you might be delaying vary: lack of time, not thinking you have enough assets, not knowing how to […]
Sweat the Small Stuff in Your Estate Plan
When planning their estates, most people focus on major assets, such as business interests, real estate, investments and retirement plans. But it’s also important to “sweat the small stuff” — tangible personal property. Examples include automobiles, jewelry, clothing, antiques, furniture, artwork, photographs, music collections, personal papers, collectibles (such as stamps, coins or baseball cards) and […]
It Takes a Village to Raise a Child
When it comes to caring for your child, we know ensuring your child’s needs are met is your highest priority. Sometimes, however, unexpected circumstances may arise that make this care an uphill battle. We know as parents ourselves that often these challenges come when we least expect them. As parents, we need to be as […]
Checking Your Estate Plan: Is It a Trick or a Treat?
When was the last time you reviewed your estate plan? Do you know if it will work when you need it to and be a treat for your loved ones to manage? Or is there a nasty trick lying in wait? Get our Estate Plan Checklist to give your plan a quick audit. It’s no […]
The Estate Planning and Conversations You and Your Spouse Need to Have
When was the last time you and your spouse discussed your estate planning? We know it is probably not on your list of “date night” conversations. In fact, many of our friends, family, and even professionals we work with tell us that once they create their estate plan, they consider it finalized and do not […]
How Do We Best Protect Our Young Adults?
It is every parents’ worst nightmare. The phone call in the middle of the night or the busy workday. The call that lets you know something has happened to your child. The fear of what could happen does not get easier as your child ages either. In many ways, it intensifies. Although you don’t have […]
Don’t Make These Common, Expensive Mistakes When Leaving an Inheritance to Minor Children
Most parents want to make sure their children are provided for in the event something happens to them while the children are still minors. Grandparents, aunts, uncles, and good friends sometimes want to leave gifts to beloved young children too. Unfortunately, good intentions and poor planning often have unintended results. Don’t make these common, expensive […]
Why It’s Okay to Let Go of Your Parent Guilt
Am I doing enough? Am I spending enough time? Am I providing the best opportunities? Should I have stayed home to play boardgames instead of going on date night? Does this sound familiar? Parent guilt is a real thing. Often referred to as “Mommy Guilt,” all parents experience it – moms and dads alike; some […]
An Easy to Use Guide to Help Parents Name Guardians for Their Kids
You love your children more than anything in the world and would do anything to protect them. But what if something happens to you or you and your spouse – who will love, care, and raise them? Do not assume. Unless you have properly and legally nominated guardians in the event of your death or incapacity, all bets […]
5 More Ways You Might Leave a Mess Behind for Your Family
It is always easier to ignore a difficult task or put it off until later. However, the wealth you have worked hard to build, your dreams for your family’s future, and your legacy are all in jeopardy if you have not taken the time to properly plan for your death or incapacity. Do not perpetuate your family’s […]
The Whys and Hows of Talking to Your Kids About Your Estate Plan
Talking about the taboo topics of money and death in one conversation is not most people’s idea of a good time. Many may say that talk of death makes them uncomfortable, and to discuss money would simply be impolite. Yet, when it comes to your family and their future, these connotations should be set aside […]
An Estate Planning Guide for Blended Families
The term “blended family” has become commonplace in our society and refers to a family where one or both spouses were previously married and have children from the prior marriage. In some instances, the new couple goes on to have children of their own. With children, stepchildren, and ex-spouses involved, estate planning can get quite […]
The Legal Planning You Need to Do for Your High School Graduate
If you’re the parent of a high school graduate this year (cue Pomp and Circumstance music), then congratulations! You’ve put in a lot of time, effort, and love toward their earning that diploma, and whatever their next step in life will be, you likely want to protect them just as much as you did while […]
Summer Vacation Bound? Tackle These 5 Important “To Do’s” First
It’s no surprise that Americans spend more time planning their summer vacations than they do planning their estate. Indeed, two-thirds of Americans do not have any estate planning in place, and 69% of parents have yet to name legal guardians for their children. These are frightening statistics, but understandable as vacations are fun but contemplating […]