Love and commitment don’t always come with a marriage license, but the law still sees a big difference between married and unmarried couples. If you and your partner have built a life together – owning a home, raising kids, or sharing finances – you may assume that your partner will be taken care of if something happens to you. Unfortunately, without proper legal planning, that’s not the case. READ MORE
Posts Categorized: Trusts
Talking to Your Family About Your Estate Plan
Talking to your family about your estate plan may feel uncomfortable, but it’s one of the most important conversations you can have. Clear communication now can prevent confusion, stress, and disputes later. By preparing ahead – choosing the right people for key roles, organizing your documents, and anticipating questions – you can make the discussion smoother and more productive. This isn’t just about legal documents; it’s about giving your loved ones clarity and peace of mind, ensuring they understand your wishes and can support one another when the time comes. READ MORE
Planning a Trip? Protect Your Children with a Kids Protection Plan
As you plan your next family vacation, don’t forget one crucial detail – ensuring your children are protected if something unexpected happens to you. A Kids Protection Planprovides legal documentation and emergency instructions so your children are always cared for by the people you trust, rather than being placed in the custody of strangers or social services. From naming temporary guardians to ensuring medical decisions can be made on their behalf, taking these simple steps now gives you peace of mind while you travel. Think of it as travel insurance for your child’s well-being – something you hope you’ll never need but will be grateful to have in case of an emergency. READ MORE
BOI/CTA UPDATE: Treasury Department Suspends Enforcement of Penalties
UPDATE: On March 2, 2025, the U.S. Department of the Treasury announced that it will not enforce any penalties or fines associated with the Corporate Transparency Act (“CTA”) reporting requirements against U.S. citizens or domestic companies. Rather, it plans to propose rules that narrow the scope of the CTA to foreign reporting companies only. READ MORE
Protecting Your Rights: Estate Planning Strategies for Same-Sex Couples
Same-sex couples face unique challenges in estate planning, especially with the uncertainty surrounding marriage protections. While laws may change, the right estate plan ensures that your assets, healthcare decisions, and financial matters remain in the hands of those you trust. This blog explores essential legal tools—such as trusts, healthcare directives, and power of attorney—that safeguard your rights, no matter what happens. Don’t wait for uncertainty – take control of your future today with a Life & Legacy Plan that protects you and your loved ones. READ MORE
Estate Planning During Divorce: Lessons from Shannen Doherty’s Legacy
Shannen Doherty’s passing in July 2024 highlights the critical importance of estate planning during divorce. Just one day before her death, she finalized her divorce, ensuring her assets were protected and distributed according to her wishes. Without this step, her estate could have been subject to community property laws, potentially leading to legal battles. Many people make estate planning mistakes during divorce, such as failing to update beneficiaries, overlooking digital assets, or neglecting incapacity planning. This blog explores key steps to safeguard your assets and ensure your wishes are honored during and after divorce. READ MORE
5 Steps to Include Digital Assets in Your Estate Plan
In today’s digital world, your online assets – bank accounts, social media, cryptocurrency, and more – are just as important as your physical property. Without proper planning, your loved ones may struggle to access or manage these assets after you’re gone. In this blog, we’ll walk you through five simple steps to include digital assets in your estate plan, ensuring they’re protected and passed on according to your wishes. Don’t leave your digital legacy to chance – learn how to safeguard it today. READ MORE
The Unexpected Challenges of Being an Estate Executor
When someone asks you to be the executor of their estate, it might seem straightforward — but the role can be more complex, time-consuming, and emotionally challenging than expected. From covering funeral costs out of pocket to handling mountains of paperwork and navigating family conflicts, executors face unexpected burdens. The good news? Thoughtful life & legacy planning can ease the process, protect your loved ones, and prevent unnecessary stress. Read the full blog to learn how to make things easier for your future executor. READ MORE
Overlooking This Basic Part of Your Estate Plan Can Be Tragic
If your loved ones don’t know how to find or access your assets when you pass away, those assets could be lost forever. This happened in the case of QuadrigaCX’s owner, whose failure to document access to his cryptocurrency left $145 million unrecoverable. From digital wallets to online banking accounts, your life & legacy plan must include a complete inventory with clear instructions. Don’t leave your family in the dark – learn how to safeguard your assets and ensure they reach the right hands. Read more on our blog. READ MORE
The Valentine’s Gift That Truly Matters
This Valentine’s Day, go beyond flowers and chocolates—give your loved ones the ultimate gift of protection and peace of mind. A Life & Legacy Plan ensures your family is cared for, your wishes are honored, and your assets are protected, no matter what happens. It’s more than just legal documents; it’s a lasting act of love that spares your family unnecessary stress and confusion. Don’t wait – take this important step today and show your loved ones how much you truly care. READ MORE
Do Your Homework to Ensure Your Kids Are Properly Cared for No Matter What Happens
As a parent, one of the most important steps you can take to protect your children is legally naming guardians in case something happens to you. Without a clear plan in place, your kids could face unnecessary court battles or even temporary placement with strangers. Our Kids Protection Plan® ensures your children are always cared for by the people you trust, with both long-term and temporary guardianship arrangements. Don’t leave your child’s future to chance – learn how to put the right protections in place today. READ MORE
Trusts & Homeowner’s Insurance: What You Need to Know So You Don’t Get a Claim Denied In the Future
Transferring your home into a trust is a smart move to protect your family and avoid probate, but many homeowners overlook a crucial step – updating their homeowner’s insurance. If your policy doesn’t reflect the trust as the legal owner, your claim could be denied when disaster strikes. In this blog, we’ll explore why aligning your insurance with your trust is essential, common mistakes to avoid, and how a well-structured Life & Legacy Plan ensures your home and loved ones are fully protected. READ MORE
How Legal Planning Helps Build a Strong Blended Family
Blended families bring love and new beginnings, but they also come with unique challenges when it comes to life and legacy planning. Without a clear plan in place, conflicts can arise between spouses and children from previous relationships, leading to unintended financial and emotional stress. A well-structured life and legacy plan ensures that your loved ones are cared for according to your wishes, preventing disputes and fostering harmony. Learn how thoughtful planning can strengthen your blended family and provide peace of mind for everyone involved. READ MORE
National Unclaimed Property Day: Why Estate Planning is More Than Just Documents
Every year, millions of dollars in unclaimed assets – bank accounts, life insurance policies, retirement funds, and more – end up in state custody simply because they were forgotten or not properly accounted for. National Unclaimed Property Day serves as a crucial reminder that estate planning is more than just having a will or trust – it’s about creating a clear, organized plan to ensure your assets reach your loved ones. At Cheever Law, APC, we help you build a comprehensive estate plan that includes an up-to-date asset inventory, regular reviews, and strategies to protect your legacy. Don’t let your hard-earned assets go unclaimed – take action today. READ MORE
3 Ways to Benefit by Incorporating Charitable Giving Into Your Estate Plan
Incorporating charitable giving into your estate plan not only supports the causes you care about but also provides significant financial benefits. Whether you leave a donation in your will or trust, name a charity as a beneficiary of your retirement account, or establish a charitable remainder trust, you can reduce estate taxes, maximize tax savings, and even create a lifetime income stream for yourself or your family. At Cheever Law, APC, we can help you develop a strategic plan that aligns with your values while benefiting your estate. Read our latest blog to learn how charitable giving can be a powerful part of your legacy. READ MORE