Legal Topics

The passing of a spouse is certainly a tragic event.  Estate planning can avoid any unnecessary complications with the transition to the survivor’s new life.  Updating the surviving spouse’s estate planning documents may be necessary at this time as well. The following topic is a common occurrence, unfortunately, with our clientele over  past 25 years  […]

It often takes years to build a successful closely held business.  Often this success is principally due to the efforts of one, or a few individuals.  Building a succession plan that addresses the unexpected death of a key person is part of the estate planning process for the small business owner. Preserving business value is […]

Beneficiary designations bypass the probate process, and are instructions provided directly to a named individual immediately upon the owner’s death. Knowing how beneficiary designations work and how they can be used to assist (and at times to thwart) an overall estate plan is an important part of the process. Why Beneficiary Designations Matter in Estate […]

Living trusts today are the standard vehicle for building an estate plan and transferring assets to loved ones at death, as assets held by a living trust always avoid the probate process.  A last will and testament is a legal document that outlines your wishes at death; assets distributed through a will requires the filing […]

A last will and testament is a legal document that outlines your wishes at death.  A living will, or advance healthcare directive, details your preferences for medical treatment if you become incapacitated. What’s the Difference Between a Will and a Living Will? Understanding the distinction between a will and a living will is essential for […]

Living trusts today are the standard vehicle for building an estate plan and transferring assets to loved ones at death, as assets held by a living trust always avoid the probate process. Why “Avoiding Probate” Matters in Estate Planning If you’ve been exploring estate planning options, you’ve likely come across the phrase “avoid probate.” It’s […]