We are now living longer than previous generations thanks to advances in medicine, technology, and life science. But simply living a longer life should not be the goal. Maintaining a healthy quality of life should be. After all, who wants…
Even though it is unlikely we will die or become seriously ill or injured while we are young, such an event is still possible. This is why we pay for medical insurance, disability insurance, and life insurance. Even though many…
The cost of higher education is more expensive every year. As a result, families are looking for ways to save for college. One option is a 529 plan. These investment plans allow families to put money away for a child's…
Having an estate plan ensures that your assets, interests, and loved ones are protected after you pass away. Sadly, many individuals make costly mistakes without proper advice and guidance from a qualified estate planning attorney. Beyond undermining your intent and…
It is common for American families to have stepchildren, who are usually treated the same as biological children when it comes to inheritance. This is particularly true where stepchildren are part of a blended family from an early age. Biological…
It is common for elder law and estate planning to be used interchangeably, but there are some significant differences between the two. While some overlap exists between the two, learning and implementing strategies from both law practice types is crucial…
It is possible that your children, minor and adult, will not agree on family circumstances, particularly regarding inheriting your estate. Relationships can change and intensify when you die, with underlying issues that bubble to the surface, creating tensions over your…
Revocable and irrevocable trusts are the two most common types of trusts used for estate planning. While there is some similarity, these two major categories of trusts have different purposes in your estate plan. Both can substitute for a last…
Planning for succession and estate planning for farms and ranches and their livestock, equipment, and other property presents unique challenges. There is a common misconception that federal estate taxes threaten farm or ranch property, preventing assets from getting to rightful…
Intestacy laws determine how the decedent's property will be distributed if your loved one died without a will. Also known as intestate succession, it has similarities to the probate process when a will is present. Still, the terms are not…