Estate Planning Briefs

It’s not uncommon for family members to contest a loved one’s will or challenge other estate planning documents. But you can take steps now to minimize the likelihood of such challenges after your death and protect both your wishes and your legacy. Family disputes often arise not from legal flaws, but from confusion, surprise or […]

A Crummey trust provides a key tax benefit of an outright gift without some of the downsides. Although the mechanics can seem technical, the concept is straightforward. And the benefits can be significant for families looking to reduce estate taxes and provide long-term financial security. How does a Crummey trust work? A Crummey trust (named

When creating or updating your estate plan, it’s important to address your elderly parents with both clarity and sensitivity. If you provide financial support, share housing or anticipate future caregiving responsibilities, your plan should reflect these realities. Clearly documenting any ongoing assistance, loans or shared assets can help prevent misunderstandings among heirs later. In addition,

Integrating health care decisions into your estate plan is important because it ensures they are thoughtful, informed and reflective of your values. When you make decisions in advance, you can clearly outline preferences for medical treatment, end-of-life care and quality-of-life considerations without the pressures of an illness or crisis. As with other aspects of your

Owning assets with your adult child as “joint tenants with right of survivorship” may seem like a simple way to streamline your estate plan. However, doing so can carry important legal, tax and practical implications that deserve careful consideration. Positives and negatives There are upsides to owning an asset — such as real estate, a

For many, the primary reason for creating an estate plan is to ensure their assets are passed on to family members according to their wishes. But when it comes to estate planning, not all assets are created equal. One asset type that can be tricky to transfer to beneficiaries is firearms. According to a Pew

As the year draws to a close, it’s a great time to revisit your gifting strategy — especially if you want to transfer wealth efficiently while minimizing future estate tax exposure. One of the simplest and most powerful tools available is the gift tax annual exclusion. In 2025, the exclusion amount is $19,000 per recipient.

A living trust is one of the most versatile estate planning tools available. It offers a streamlined way to manage and transfer assets while maintaining privacy and control. Unlike a traditional will, a living trust allows your assets to pass directly to your beneficiaries without going through probate. By placing assets into the trust during

Planning for the end of life is never easy, but including your funeral and memorial wishes in your estate plan can relieve a major burden from your loved ones. When your family is grieving, decisions about burial or cremation, service preferences, or even the type of obituary you’d like can feel overwhelming. By documenting these

A do-it-yourself (DIY) estate plan may seem appealing to those who feel confident managing their own affairs and want to save money. With the abundance of online templates and legal software, it’s easier than ever to draft a will, establish powers of attorney or create a trust without professional help. However, there are significant drawbacks