If you die with debt, will your family be forced to pay it? The answer isn’t always simple. This article explains how debt is handled after death, when loved ones might be responsible, and what planning steps you can take now to protect your family from unnecessary stress and financial surprises. READ MORE
Posts Categorized: Wills
How to Talk With Your Family About Your Estate Plan (Without Creating Stress or Conflict)
Talking with your family about your estate plan can feel uncomfortable, but avoiding the conversation often creates confusion and conflict later. This article explains why these discussions matter, how to prepare for them, and how clear communication now can bring peace of mind to everyone involved. READ MORE
Where Will You Live and How Will You Get and Pay For Care As You Age? A Legal and Practical Guide
Planning for aging isn’t just about where you’ll live – it’s about protecting your independence, finances, and family from unnecessary stress. This guide explains the living options, legal documents, and financial considerations every family should understand before a crisis forces difficult decisions. READ MORE
Too Much Stuff, Not Enough Guidance: How Families Can Handle Downsizing as Loved Ones Age
As loved ones age and downsize, families are often left overwhelmed by a lifetime of belongings. Learn how thoughtful planning, clear communication, and estate planning guidance can prevent stress, guilt, and family conflict when it comes time to decide what stays, what goes, and what truly matters. READ MORE
Why So Much Money Ends Up as Unclaimed Property and What That Means for You
Billions of dollars end up as unclaimed property every year – not because people are careless, but because life gets complicated. Learn why assets become lost, how National Unclaimed Property Day shines a light on the issue, and what you can do now to make sure nothing you worked for ever disappears into bureaucracy. READ MORE
Protecting Your Child’s Future: Why Every Family With Special Needs Should Have a Special Needs Trust
If you have a child with special needs, planning ahead is essential. Learn how a properly structured Special Needs Trust can protect your child’s financial future, preserve vital government benefits, and give you peace of mind knowing their care will continue exactly as you intend. READ MORE
Frozen Accounts, Court Delays, and Grief: What Happens in the Probate Process
Many families are shocked to learn that powers of attorney end at death, accounts are frozen, and court approval is required before anything can move forward. This article explains what really happens during probate—and how proper estate planning can spare your loved ones from delays, expenses, and unnecessary stress. READ MORE
Remarrying Later in Life? How to Protect Your Spouse and Children With the Right Estate Plan
Remarrying later in life can unintentionally put your spouse or children at risk if your estate plan isn’t updated. Learn how thoughtful planning can protect everyone you love and prevent conflict, confusion, and accidental disinheritance in blended families. READ MORE
What Happens to All Your Stuff When You Die? (And Why Your Family Is Dreading It)
Sorting through a loved one’s belongings after death can be overwhelming and emotionally exhausting. Without a plan, personal items often become the biggest source of stress and conflict for families. This article explains how thoughtful estate planning can help you organize your belongings, communicate your wishes, and make things easier for the people you love. READ MORE
Raising Financially Confident Families: Building Healthy Money Traditions That Last
Healthy money habits don’t start with spreadsheets or stock accounts – they start at home. From how children learn to save and give, to how families talk about inheritance and responsibility, financial traditions shape generations. In this article, I share practical ways families can build confidence, values, and clarity around money – and why these conversations are a critical part of estate planning. READ MORE
Wills vs. Trusts: How to Choose the Right Tool to Protect the People You Love
Choosing between a will and a trust isn’t about picking a document—it’s about protecting the people you love. This blog explains the real differences between wills and trusts, the common misunderstandings families face, and how to create an estate plan that actually works when your loved ones need it most. READ MORE
Can a Beneficiary Also Serve as Trustee of a Trust? What You Should Know
Can a beneficiary also serve as trustee of a trust? While the answer is yes, this arrangement comes with important responsibilities and potential risks. This article explains when it makes sense, when it may cause problems, and how careful planning can help protect both your assets and your family relationships. READ MORE
Why Your Family Needs a Mission Statement
An estate plan should do more than pass down money – it should pass down meaning. A family mission statement helps your loved ones understand your values, intentions, and hopes, so your legacy strengthens relationships instead of creating confusion or conflict. READ MORE
Holidays Are the Perfect Time to Check In on Aging Parents
The holidays are the perfect time to check in on aging parents. From safety and health to important estate planning documents, a little attention now can make a big difference. READ MORE
Got Retirement Savings? What the SECURE Act 2.0 Means for Your Family
Recent changes to retirement laws can dramatically affect what your loved ones inherit – and how much they lose to taxes. Many estate plans no longer work the way people expect. In this article, I explain what the SECURE Act 2.0 means for your retirement savings and why updating your plan now can protect your family from unnecessary stress, delays, and tax consequences. READ MORE

