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Would $23,000 Make a Difference to You?
Imagine discovering thousands of dollars that belong to you, only to be told you can’t have it. It’s called “unclaimed property,” money that’s yours but has been handed over to the government without your knowledge. And it happens more often than you may think.
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Would You Make This Million Dollar Mistake?
Imagine this: You’re in your twenties, and you fill out a form at work naming your significant other as the beneficiary of your retirement account. Fast-forward 28 years—you’ve long since broken up, lived a full life, and died, and your ex gets your now-million-dollar nest egg. Sound far-fetched? It’s not.
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Celebrity Estate Plans Series Part 4 of 4: Elvis and the Scammers
In this last installment of our four-part celebrity series, we spotlight Elvis, the King of Rock. Although he passed away in 1977, his estate can teach us valuable lessons, even in 2024, about the importance of estate planning and how to avoid falling prey to scammers.
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Celebrity Estate Plans Series Part 3 of 4: Jay Leno’s Case is No Laughing Matter
In this third installment of our four-part celebrity series, we discuss a topic that no one wants to consider as it may seem to be a fate worse than death: incapacity. Find out what Jay Leno and his family can teach us about the need to be prepared, no matter what happens.
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Celebrity Estate Plans Series Part 2 of 4: Vanilla Ice Has Thoughts
This week, we’re continuing to look at the lives of 4 celebrities and how they’re preparing for the inevitable (or didn’t!). Last week, we examined Michael Jackson’s planning and the holes in his plan that resulted in his family being embroiled in court and conflict for 15 years and counting (if you missed it, go…
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Celebrity Estate Plans Series Part 1 of 4: Michael Jackson
What is it about celebrities that always draws us in? For whatever reason, we just can’t resist a good, juicy celebrity story. So, for the next few weeks, we will look at the lives of 4 celebrities and see what we can learn from their stories. This week, we’re turning the spotlight on Michael Jackson.…
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The Surprising Connection Between Men’s Health and Estate Planning
As you may know, June marked Men’s Health Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about health issues predominantly affecting men and encouraging the early detection and treatment of disease among men and boys. Gentlemen, you already know that taking care of your health allows you to prolong your life and enhance your quality of…
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3 Strategies For Navigating Your Child’s Transition Into Adulthood
When your child turns 18, they’re legally an adult even though they have a lot more growing to do. Just like any other adult, their health and financial information is protected by privacy laws. But unlike any other adult, that’s still your child, and you want to support them in a crisis. Your role as…
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What Probate Is and How To Avoid It — Part 2
Unless you’ve created an estate plan that works to keep your family out of court, when you die (or become incapacitated) many of your assets must go through probate before those assets can be distributed to your heirs. Like most court proceedings, probate can be time-consuming, costly, and open to the public, and because of…
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What Probate Is and How To Avoid It — Part 1
Unless you’ve created a proper estate plan, upon your passing many of your assets must first go through the court process known as probate before those assets can be distributed to your heirs. During probate, the court supervises a number of different legal actions, all of which are aimed at finalizing your affairs and settling…
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Protecting Your LGBTQIA+ Family: An Estate Planning Guide for Non-Biological Parents
As an LGBTQIA+ non-biological parent, June sparks a flurry of Pride celebrations reminding you of the remarkable progress the community has made, while also shining a light on the ongoing fight for full equality. One area where you may still face unique legal hurdles is in ensuring your parental rights are properly protected, if you…
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Avoid These 4 Common Estate Planning Pitfalls
If you’re a parent, you’ve always strived to provide the best for your family, ensuring their well-being and securing their future. However, even the most well-intentioned plans can falter if you overlook the complexities of estate planning. Let’s explore some common pitfalls that parents often encounter, then offer practical strategies to navigate them successfully. Heads…
