Losing a loved one is one of life’s most difficult experiences. On top of the emotional weight of grief, families are often faced with a sudden flood of legal tasks and responsibilities—many of which can feel overwhelming and confusing. At a time when you should be...
Year: 2025
The Lifetime QTIP Trust
Estate planning for couples in a second or subsequent marriage can be tricky, especially if their estates are disproportionate. One solution that allows the more affluent spouse to maintain control of their property and wealth and minimize potential estate taxes –...
How to Protect Your Family When You and Your Spouse Work in the Same Business
You and your spouse live together, work together, and likely spend a great deal of your free time together. Having a successful marriage and business takes hard work and dedication, but it can also be among the most rewarding things in life. To help keep you on the...
Estate Planning Strategies to Protect Your Spouse
You found the love of your life, and as you have built your life together, you have likely weathered your fair share of storms and grown stronger because of them. Now that you are married, you are uniquely situated to provide meaningful support for your spouse after...
Your Divorce Decree: The First Step in Estate Planning
You and your spouse have recently divorced, and the judge has signed the divorce decree. Now what? Although you may feel that you have spent enough time and money on lawyers, there is one last attorney you need to talk to: an estate planning attorney. If you and your...
How to Minimize the (Voluntary) Federal Estate Tax with Portability
Most people may be surprised to learn that the federal estate tax is considered by some to be voluntary. Estate planning attorneys used to say, “You only pay if you do not plan.” The relatively recent introduction of portability provides yet another planning tool...
Surprise! You Cannot Easily Disinherit Your Spouse.
Believe it or not, it is not easy to disinherit your spouse in the United States. In many states and the District of Columbia, you cannot intentionally disinherit your spouse unless your spouse agrees to receive nothing from your estate in a prenuptial, postnuptial,...
4 Tips to Avoid a Will or Trust Contest
Fighting over provisions in your will or trust can derail your final wishes, rapidly deplete your financial legacy, and tear your loved ones apart. However, with proper planning, you can help your family avoid a potentially disastrous fight. If you are concerned about...
Estate Planning That Expresses Who You Are
5 Things to Talk About with Your Family You intend to pass along your hard-earned money and property through your estate plan, but what about your wisdom? Ensuring that you successfully pass all of this along may call for a family meeting to discuss your finances,...
Staying Active and Enjoying the Outdoors in Retirement: The Key to a Healthy, Happy Lifestyle
Retirement is the perfect opportunity to slow down, relax, and enjoy the fruits of your labor—but it doesn’t mean you have to stop moving! Staying active, especially outdoors, is one of the best ways to maintain physical health, improve mental well-being, and enjoy...