Posts Categorized: Trusts

Who Would Raise Your Kids If You Couldn’t? (What You Don’t Know About the First 72 Hours)

by Tara Cheever ~ Attorney at Law May 29, 2026 Estate Planning, Guardians for Minor Children, Trusts, Wills

Most parents have talked about who would raise their children if something happened to them. Far fewer have taken the legal steps necessary to make sure that choice is honored. Without a legally documented guardianship plan, a judge – not you – could decide who raises your children, and the people you trust most may have no immediate authority to step in. Even more concerning, many families have never considered what happens in the first 72 hours after an emergency, when children can be left in temporary care while the legal process catches up. Learn why naming guardians is only part of the equation and how a complete Kids Protection Plan® helps ensure your children are protected both immediately and long-term. READ MORE

No One Warned Her About the Widow Penalty. Her First Tax Return Did.

by Tara Cheever ~ Attorney at Law May 26, 2026 Estate Planning, Tax, Trusts, Wills

The widow penalty can dramatically increase taxes for surviving spouses through reduced deductions, compressed tax brackets, higher Medicare premiums, and increased taxation of Social Security benefits. This article explains how the widow penalty works, why women are often affected most, and what families can do now through proactive estate and tax planning to reduce the long-term financial impact. READ MORE

Your Mid-Year Business Check-In: 5 Things to Review Before Summer (and One Deadline You Cannot Miss)

by Tara Cheever ~ Attorney at Law May 19, 2026 Business Law, Estate Planning, Trusts, Wills

Mid-year is the perfect time to catch business issues before they become expensive problems later in the year. From estimated tax payments and entity structure to insurance coverage, contractor classification, and outdated agreements, this checklist helps business owners review the legal, financial, insurance, and tax systems that keep a business protected as it grows. READ MORE

The Document That Fails When You Need It Most

by Tara Cheever ~ Attorney at Law May 15, 2026 Estate Planning, Power of Attorney, Trusts, Wills

Most people assume a signed Power of Attorney will protect their family in an emergency. But many banks can still reject a perfectly valid POA when it’s needed most, leaving loved ones unable to access accounts or pay bills without court involvement. This article explains why that happens and how proper planning helps families avoid unnecessary delays and stress. READ MORE