Estate Planning for Pets? 3 Famous Pet Inheritance Stories

July 31, 2025
Brian Hicks
Estate Planning, Our Blog, Wills & Trusts

You may consider pet trusts little more than eccentric things that famous people create for their pets when they have too much money. Yet, pet trusts have become much more mainstream in recent years. In fact, in 2016, Minnesota became...

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

July 23, 2025
Brian Hicks
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
Brian Hicks
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...

Special Needs Planning for Blended Families

For blended families that include a child with special needs, financial and legal planning extends well beyond the usual parental concerns. But as with all family matters, proactive planning can help.

Why the Social Security Retirement Age Is Now 67, Not 65

July 3, 2025
Brian Hicks
Elder Law, Estate Planning, Our Blog, Senior Living, Wills & Trusts

In 2025, Americans born in 1960 are reaching age 65, a milestone that for decades has been associated with retirement. Many people still think of 65 as the age to claim full Social Security retirement benefits. But for those born...

Can You Give Away Real Property and Avoid Probate Court?

June 26, 2025
Brian Hicks
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...

The Benefits of Establishing a Special Needs Trust Early

For families of children with disabilities, planning for a lifetime of support is both a practical necessity and a compassionate act. One of the most powerful tools available to help secure a stable financial future for a child with special...

Before You Move Your Parents to an Assisted Living Facility

June 12, 2025
Brian Hicks
Elder Law, Estate Planning, Medicaid Planning, Our Blog, Senior Living

Assisted living communities can provide essential care and peace of mind for you and your aging parents. Identifying the most suitable facility for your loved one is a journey requiring matching your parents’ needs, budget, and lifestyle with desirable locations.

Beyond Medical Care: Personal Benefits of Advance Directives

June 5, 2025
Brian Hicks
Estate Planning, Our Blog, Probate & Trust Administration, Wills & Trusts

Establishing an advance directive can serve as a powerful expression of your personal values and autonomy.

When to Consider Discretionary Trusts for Your Estate Plan

May 29, 2025
Brian Hicks
Estate Planning, Our Blog, Probate & Trust Administration, Wills & Trusts

Leaving your hard-earned assets outright to your children, grandchildren, or other loved ones after you die may seem like the simplest way to pass on your legacy. But what appears straightforward can often expose those assets to unnecessary risk, from creditors...