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,...

How to Know When to Update Your Estate Plan

October 30, 2025
Tim Larson
Estate Planning, Our Blog, Probate & Trust Administration, Wills & Trusts

Creating an estate plan is one of the most important steps a person can take to provide for their loved ones and ensure their wishes are carried out. But drafting a will, trust, or related documents is not a “one-and-done”...

What to Do When Someone Is Contesting a Will

October 16, 2025
Tim Larson
Estate Planning, Our Blog, Probate & Trust Administration, Wills & Trusts

Dealing with the emotional aftermath of a loved one's passing away is always a challenge. But matters can become even more stressful if someone challenges the deceased person’s will. Challenging a will, also known as a will contest or contesting a...

Finding a Reputable Funeral Home

October 9, 2025
Tim Larson
Elder Law, Estate Planning, Our Blog, Probate & Trust Administration, Senior Living

Funeral homes are trusted with handling a person’s remains with care and sensitivity, coordinating burial or cremation, and sometimes hosting wakes and memorial services. In the United States, there are currently over 24,000 funeral homes. While funeral homes should operate ethically, that...

One Common Estate Tax Error That Could Cost You

September 11, 2025
Tim Larson
Estate Planning, Our Blog, Probate & Trust Administration

In estate planning, there is a surprisingly common misstep that can have costly consequences for some families. A recent Wall Street Journal article highlighted this error: the failure to file an estate tax return upon the death of the first...

Last Wills and Testaments: More Frequently Asked Questions

August 28, 2025
Tim Larson
Estate Planning, Our Blog, Probate & Trust Administration

August is National Make a Will month — a fantastic opportunity to learn more about this essential type of estate planning tool. Wills form the foundation of a solid estate plan. Creating one can be a first step toward protecting...

Why Aren’t More Older Adults Thinking About Long-Term Care?

July 23, 2025
Tim Larson
Elder Law, Estate Planning, Medicaid Planning, Our Blog, Probate & Trust Administration, Senior Living, Wills & Trusts

After decades of handling our daily personal care needs without giving them a second thought, it is hard to imagine needing help with these tasks. However, research shows that about one in seven adults aged 65 or older will need...

Estate Planning Is a Show of Respect and Love for Family

July 17, 2025
Tim Larson
Estate Planning, Our Blog, Probate & Trust Administration, Wills & Trusts

In 2022, the world learned that legendary actor Bruce Willis – known for his memorable starring roles in Die Hard films, the cult classic Pulp Fiction, the Golden Globe-winning TV series Moonlighting, and much more – had been diagnosed with...

Can You Give Away Real Property and Avoid Probate Court?

June 26, 2025
Tim Larson
Estate Planning, Our Blog, Probate & Trust Administration, Wills & Trusts

If you plan to pass your home on to a family member through your will, keep in mind that your loved one will likely need to go through the court process known as probate to properly transfer the home into...