Avoid Disputes Between Your POA Agent and Health Care Proxy

February 12, 2026
Brian Hicks
Estate Planning, Our Blog, Probate & Trust Administration, Wills & Trusts

As people plan for aging, illness, or unexpected disability, two legal tools often come into play: the health care proxy, or medical power of attorney, and the durable power of attorney (DPOA), sometimes referred to as a financial power of...

End-of-Life Care Planning for Individuals With Special Needs

Having conversations about end-of-life care can be challenging, and many people avoid them. According to The Conversation Project, 92 percent of Americans acknowledge the importance of talking over their end-of-life care wishes, but only 32 percent have discussed them. When a...

Execute a Durable Power of Attorney Before It’s Too Late

January 29, 2026
Brian Hicks
Estate Planning, Our Blog, Probate & Trust Administration

What Is a Durable Power of Attorney? A durable power of attorney is an extremely important estate planning tool, even more important than a will in many cases. This crucial document allows a person you appoint – your “attorney-in-fact” or “agent”...

Should You Pay Off Debts Before Making a Will or Trust?

January 22, 2026
Brian Hicks
Estate Planning, Our Blog, Probate & Trust Administration

The Debt vs. Estate Planning Dilemma Many people delay estate planning because they feel weighed down by debt — credit cards, student loans, mortgages, or personal loans. The logic seems simple: I’ll create a will or trust once my finances are...

Annual Gift Tax and Estate Tax Exemptions for 2026

January 15, 2026
Brian Hicks
Estate Planning, Our Blog, Probate & Trust Administration, Wills & Trusts

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has released the gift tax and estate tax exclusions for tax year 2026. These exclusion amounts are adjusted annually to account for changes in the cost of living. The following updates become effective January 1,...

Probate Law: A Look Across States

January 8, 2026
Brian Hicks
Estate Planning, Our Blog, Probate & Trust Administration

“Probate” is a term often heard in estate planning discussions, but do you really know what it is, how it works, and how to “probate-proof” your estate? Avoiding probate is a common goal — and for good reason. Probate can...

Estate Planning: Funding Your Revocable Living Trust

December 18, 2025
Brian Hicks
Estate Planning, Our Blog, Probate & Trust Administration, Wills & Trusts

A revocable living trust is a valuable estate planning tool. It not only allows you to remain in control of your finances while you are alive and ensures they remain well-managed if you become unable to manage them yourself (known as becoming...

Giving to Grandkids? Consider Gift Tax, 529 Plans, and More

December 11, 2025
Brian Hicks
Elder Law, Estate Planning, Our Blog, Senior Living, Wills & Trusts

Grandparents often are particularly generous to grandchildren as they see their family’s legacy continuing to the next generation. In many cases, grandparents feel they have ample resources, while their children or grandchildren may be struggling financially. Assistance with summer camp...

Will a Revocable Living Trust Reduce Your Estate Tax?

December 4, 2025
Tim Larson
Estate Planning, Our Blog, Probate & Trust Administration, Wills & Trusts

Minimizing Estate Taxes Many people assume that when they establish a revocable living trust, property held in the trust will completely avoid federal estate taxes after their death, when in fact, living trusts do not provide any unique estate tax avoidance...

What Most People Don’t Know About Durable Powers of Attorney

November 20, 2025
Tim Larson
Estate Planning, Our Blog, Probate & Trust Administration, Wills & Trusts

Though you are likely in good health now and can handle your own financial transactions and health care decisions, there is always a chance you could lose that ability. It could happen suddenly, as with a car accident, or gradually,...