Estate Planning

If you’re going through the big D and it doesn’t mean Dallas, there’s understandably a lot on your mind and your proverbial plate. Whether you’ve been with someone one year or 25, divorce can put an immense amount of stress on an individual for several reasons including the financial details that need to be taken care of in order for…Read More

As anyone with a special needs person in their life might already know, there are a lot of details and things that need to be done in order to protect and care for your loved one in the best way possible. If you happen to have a loved one with special needs and you don’t have a Special Needs Trust…Read More

A living trust is becoming more and more popular for those who are realizing a will alone will not save them or their families from expensive legal proceedings or probate. The popularity of these trusts is a good thing, protecting people and assets around the country. However, many people wonder if it is necessary to hire a lawyer to execute…Read More

In 2018, more and more couples are starting non-traditional families, or buying homes together before they are married. It’s extremely common for most unmarried couples to accumulate shared property, but less common to consider how the property will be dealt with in the event of the end of the relationship, or more dire circumstances. It isn’t just a matter of…Read More

Millennials invoke a lot of opinions - they’re the “me” generation, they are accused of acting entitled in job searches, they’re living in their parents’ basements. There are several articles on the internet that would tell you millennials are worse off than their parents. However, recent studies show that millennials who are starting families are saving at higher rates than…Read More

For many young couples, estate planning can be a topic that slips through the cracks or is seen as something reserved for retirees and the elderly. Then, something tragic happens and a spouse or other family member may be forced to make tough decisions under duress, because they are completely unprepared for making end of life decisions. We think we…Read More

Many people, including federal employees, think estate planning is just for the well-to-do. FedSmith’s article, “Estate Planning for Federal Employees,” says that at the very least, you should understand what estate planning is, so you can make a decision regarding the legal documents you need. You don’t want to create a stressful problem for your family and loved ones. We also want our…Read More

The sudden deaths of fashion designer Kate Spade and chef and storyteller Anthony Bourdain are sparking discussions about mental health. They’re also a stark reminder that a sudden death can affect any family. CNBC’s article, “Sudden deaths like those of Kate Spade and Anthony Bourdain can devastate family finances,”explains that a number of the leading causes of death in the US are…Read More

According to a 2016 study by Oregon State University and Portland State University, the average age of farmers and ranchers is now 60. An estimated 10 million acres of farmland will change ownership over the next 20 years, making farm succession and estate planning that much more critical. The Salem, Oregon Capital Press asks in its article, “Mental competence a key factor in…Read More

When a person dies, and after his or her family members have dealt with their initial emotions, the real work begins, according to Kiplinger in the article “5 Things to Do the Moment a Loved One Passes Away.” If you know you are named as executor of the will, take these steps to be sure that the named beneficiaries receive as much of…Read More