The proposed Death Tax Repeal Act of 2025 could eliminate the federal estate tax entirely, significantly impacting how wealth is passed between generations. In this blog, we explore what the repeal might mean for your family, how it could shift estate planning strategies, and why it’s more important than ever to have a flexible Life & Legacy Plan in place. READ MORE
Monthly Archives:: April 2025
How to Preserve Your Family Values for Generations to Come
Your financial assets are only part of the legacy you leave behind — your family values, life lessons, and personal stories are just as important, if not more. Preserving your true legacy doesn’t have to be difficult. With simple tools like video or audio recordings, you can easily share your wisdom, traditions, and heartfelt messages with future generations. And with a comprehensive Life & Legacy Plan that includes a Life and Legacy Interview, you can ensure your family treasures not only what you built, but who you are. READ MORE
10 Guardian Mistakes That Could Put Your Kids at Risk (And How to Do It Right)
Most parents think that simply naming guardians in a will is enough to protect their kids, but the truth is – it’s not. If something unexpected happens to you, without the right legal documents in place, your children could be temporarily taken into the care of strangers, or even placed in the foster system. In this blog, we explore the 10 most common mistakes parents make when it comes to naming guardians – and how a comprehensive Kids Protection Plan® can ensure your children are always cared for by the people you trust most. READ MORE
How to Incorporate Family Values into Your Estate Plan
Estate planning isn’t just about passing on your money—it’s about preserving your legacy. In today’s world, your stories, values, and life lessons are among the most meaningful gifts you can leave behind. By thoughtfully incorporating these into your estate plan through recorded messages, legacy letters, and intentional planning, you ensure that your family’s heritage lives on for generations. This blog explores how to weave your family values into your legal documents, so your loved ones inherit not just your wealth, but your wisdom. READ MORE
The $700 Million Mistake: Why an Asset Inventory Is an Essential Part of Your Estate Plan
Imagine losing $700 million because of a simple mistake. That’s exactly what happened to a man who accidentally threw away the only key to his Bitcoin fortune—forever locking it away. While most of us don’t have that kind of money, the lesson is clear: if you don’t keep track of what you own and where it is, your assets could be lost for good. In this blog, we explore how creating an up-to-date asset inventory can protect your family from stress, loss, and conflict—and why it’s a critical (yet often overlooked) part of every estate plan. READ MORE
What Is a Trust? A Simple Guide
A trust is a powerful legal tool used to manage and protect your assets for yourself or others, both during your lifetime and after. In this blog, a Life & Legacy Planning Attorney breaks down the basics of how a trust works, who’s involved, and why it can be an essential part of your planning. Whether you want to avoid probate, care for a loved one, or ensure your legacy is protected, understanding trusts is a great first step in securing your future. READ MORE
Gene Hackman’s Estate: A Wake-Up Call
The recent passing of Gene Hackman and his wife, Betsy Arakawa, sheds light on estate planning issues many families overlook – especially the risks of outdated documents and not planning for simultaneous deaths. While their 2005 estate plans attempted to address some key concerns, gaps still remain that could lead to confusion or unintended consequences. Their story serves as an important reminder of why it’s crucial to not only have a plan, but to have one that’s up to date, accounts for complex family dynamics, and includes clear instructions for every possible scenario. READ MORE
The Future of Finances: How to Teach Your Kids to Be Money Savvy
Teaching your kids how to manage money is one of the most important life lessons you can pass on—and it starts with your own financial habits. At Cheever Law, APC, we believe the best way to raise financially savvy children is to lead by example and involve them in real-life money conversations, including your Life and Legacy Planning. By being intentional with your financial choices and inviting your children into the process, you not only secure your own future but also set them up for lifelong success. READ MORE
Why Reviewing Your Trust Regularly Isn’t Optional – It’s Essential
Creating a trust is a great way to protect your assets and loved ones, but it’s not a “set it and forget it” document. Life changes – marriage, divorce, new children, financial shifts—and so do laws that impact your estate. If your trust isn’t updated regularly, it may not work as intended, leading to probate, family disputes, or unexpected taxes. Reviewing your trust every three to five years, or after major life events, ensures it continues to protect your family and reflect your wishes. At Cheever Law, we make the process simple – schedule a trust review today and keep your plan working for you. READ MORE