While meeting with clients, as an estate planning lawyer, I often hear this question: “Should I add my family member to my accounts as a joint owner, or set up a Power of Attorney?” While adding a joint owner might seem simpler, the answer isn’t as straightforward as you think.   When Joint Accounts Create...Read More

As an estate planning lawyer, I often see couples who view prenuptial agreements solely as divorce protection. However, a well-crafted prenup can be a powerful estate planning tool that helps protect both spouses and their children, especially in blended families.Read More

Many of us hesitate to change professional relationships, especially regarding legal matters. I often meet people who feel "tied" to their original estate planning attorney, even when that relationship no longer serves their needs.Read More

One of the most frequent questions I hear is, "Is my estate large enough to justify a living trust?" Behind this question often lies a deeper concern: "Am I making the right choice for my family's future?" Let me share something that might surprise you – the size of your estate is just one small...Read More

As we round out another election season, focusing on how government policies might affect our families and finances is natural. However, as any experienced estate planning lawyer will tell you, a crucial aspect of your family’s future remains constant regardless of who’s in office: the need for a personalized estate plan. The Government’s Default Plan Here’s...Read More

I often recommend Irrevocable Life Insurance Trusts (ILITs) to clients looking to protect their family’s wealth. Life insurance is a powerful estate planning tool, but without proper planning, it can become vulnerable to creditors or unnecessarily inflate your taxable estate. Let’s explore how an ILIT can help safeguard your family’s financial future. The Power of...Read More

Regarding estate planning, one of the most essential tools available to individuals is a trust. Think of a trust as a box with an instruction manual. The instruction manual controls what’s in the box and where it goes at the time of your passing. But here’s the catch – if nothing is in the box,...Read More

Owning undeveloped land can be an exciting investment, full of potential and possibilities. However, when it comes to including this asset in your estate plan, there are unique considerations to remember. As an estate lawyer, I often work with clients to ensure their raw land is adequately addressed in their estate planning documents. Here’s what...Read More

When you decide it’s time to get serious about your future, you might be surprised to learn that you need not one but two professionals in your corner: an estate planning lawyer and a financial advisor. Many assume these roles are interchangeable or that one professional can handle it all. Spoiler alert: they are two...Read More

The Graceland scam highlights a chilling reality: when someone passes away, their estate often becomes public record. This means anyone, including opportunistic scammers, can access details about your assets and your beneficiaries. This vulnerability can lead to various schemes, from simple pressure tactics to complex legal maneuvers aimed at diverting your hard-earned wealth. How Trusts...Read More