When planning your estate, one of the smartest strategies you can adopt is to minimize or avoid probate. Probate is a legal procedure in which a court establishes the validity of your will, determines the value of your estate, resolves creditors’ claims, provides for the payment of taxes and other debts, and transfers assets to […]Continue reading

For many people, creating an estate plan falls into the category of important but not urgent. As a result, it can get postponed indefinitely. If you find yourself in this situation, understanding the reasons behind this procrastination can help you recognize and overcome the barriers that are preventing you from taking the first steps toward […]Continue reading

As a closely held business owner, a substantial amount of your wealth likely is tied to the business. Of course, you want to retain as much of that wealth as possible to pass on to your family after you exit the business. If your business is structured as a corporation, the answer may be an […]Continue reading

The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) effectively doubled the unified federal gift and estate tax exemption — and annual inflation adjustments have boosted it even further. For individuals who make gifts or die in 2025, the exemption amount is $13.99 million ($27.98 million for married couples). Under the TCJA, the exemption amount is scheduled to revert […]Continue reading

Asset protection is a strategic approach to safeguarding your wealth from potential lawsuits and creditor claims. Indeed, protecting your assets is critical in today’s litigious environment. Without proper planning, a single lawsuit or debt issue could jeopardize years of financial progress. The last thing you want to happen is to lose a portion of your […]Continue reading

For many people, pets are more than just animals — they’re cherished members of the family. Yet, when it comes to estate planning, their future care can be overlooked. Including your pets in your estate plan ensures they’ll continue to receive love and care if something happens to you. Unless you arrange for their care […]Continue reading

One question the family of a deceased person often asks is: What happens to debt after a person dies? It’s important to realize that a person’s debt doesn’t simply vanish after his or her death. An estate’s executor or beneficiaries generally aren’t personally liable for any debt. The estate itself is liable for the deceased’s […]Continue reading

When it comes to estate planning, married couples often assume that simply naming each other in their wills or designating each other as beneficiaries is sufficient. However, unintended consequences can result if you and your spouse fail to properly coordinate your estate plans. Examples include conflicting provisions, unexpected tax consequences or assets passing in ways […]Continue reading

It’s not uncommon for an estate plan to contain multiple trusts. They can enable you to hold assets for and transfer them to beneficiaries, avoid probate, and possibly reduce estate tax exposure. When drafting a trust, you must appoint a trustee. This can be an individual or a financial institution. Before choosing a trustee, know […]Continue reading