INSIGHTS

Americans today are somewhat split on what defines a traditional Thanksgiving. Most of us celebrate the holiday, but our traditions and activities vary widely. Still, as new traditions replace old ones, the core of Thanksgiving—connection, gratitude, and shared experience—remains the same. Estate plans can evolve in much the same way, reflecting new realities and a renewed spirit of giving. Estate plans are not only about passing down money and possessions. Read more to discover how estate plans are also a way to preserve traditions, share values, and keep families connected for generations to come.

Today’s families take many different forms: Some are blended through divorce and remarriage while others are built through long-term partnerships, adoption, or fostering. Families may include same-sex or opposite-sex couples; married or unmarried partners; or children from different relationships or no children. Many households also juggle the needs of aging parents or relatives with disabilities. Read more to discover that as today’s modern families evolve and become more diverse, so too must the estate planning strategies that protect them.

Bookending the first week of September with Labor Day is a less recognized holiday that may not get much national attention but should if you are planning for your future: National 401(k) Day. Though we are in an era of overall declining economic confidence, many Americans are still somewhat upbeat about their retirement savings. However, how you feel about your 401(k) account may not reflect what is actually in it. Read more to learn about how National 401(k) Day is an ideal opportunity to take stock and ensure that your plans keep pace with your expectations—for both yourself and your loved ones.

Actor Val Kilmer’s passing in April 2025 highlights estate planning issues that can affect almost anyone. Although Kilmer was a celebrity, these issues—including managing real estate in more than one state, deciding what happens with digital assets, and using charitable gifts to leave a legacy and help reduce estate taxes—are concerns that can be especially important for individuals who have an out-of-state summer home or cottage, a creative or online-persona-based career, or a favorite charity they want to support after their death. Read more to discover lessons learned from Val Kilmer.

Estate planning often follows the same path as adding toppings to your ice cream. Most people begin with a “vanilla” plan that covers the essentials. From there, they can add “toppings” such as inheritance timing and conditions or charitable components that turn a basic plan into something customized. Read more to learn about all the different types of options or "toppings" that are available to you.

It's summertime and July is National Ice Cream Month. But what kind to choose? Cone or cup? What flavor are you craving? You are facing what is known as the “ice cream dilemma,” which has become a metaphor for the difficulty of decision-making when there are nearly unlimited options.This dilemma could help explain why only around one in three American adults has an estate plan. Read more to learn about where to start and how to simplify the decision-making process.

Many Americans have little or no retirement savings and are worried about whether they can ever afford to stop working, let alone provide for others after they pass. Some assets earmarked for retirement can also be vulnerable to lawsuits, medical bills, and other creditor claims that can quickly drain decades of careful savings. Read more to understand how much is needed for retirement.

Spring is an opportune season for housekeeping, both literally and metaphorically. It is time to throw open the windows of your life, let in the fresh air, and catch up on the small chores that often get pushed aside amid modern life’s frenetic pace—including dusting off your estate plan, clearing away outdated documents, and tidying up your financial house. Read more to learn about the different ways you can make the next 100 days impactful in your life.

Despite the many uncertainties facing President Trump’s agenda, his administration has strongly signaled that tax-related measures are a top priority. Trump and Republicans want to extend many provisions from the expiring Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) that the president signed into law in his first term. There could also be new tax cuts, such as Trump’s proposal to eliminate taxes on tips, overtime pay, and Social Security benefits. Read more to learn about Trump’s and the GOP’s reported tax priorities for their economic package.

To-do lists, grocery lists, bucket lists . . . the list goes on. However, there is one crucial list that often gets overlooked: the list of trusted professionals and decision-makers who can step in for you during a time of need. Read more to learn about how this simple yet powerful tool can help you, your professional team, and your loved ones be better prepared for future scenarios and more smoothly navigate challenging times.

The Federal Reserve tracks household net worth as an indicator of the overall health of the US economy and to gain a long-term perspective that influences future monetary decisions. You should track your net worth for similar reasons. Read more to learn about creating an inventory of your assets (everything you own) and keeping it updated so that it can be measured, analyzed, and readjusted to keep your financial and estate planning goals on track.

Whether your plans involve a night on the couch with family or celebrating into the wee hours with fellow partygoers, read more to get a list of some fun New Year’s trivia questions and factoids to stimulate the mind and ring in 2025.

The estate planning process can sometimes be similar to Santa’s process. You decide who should receive your money and property (the nice people on your list) and who should not (the naughty ones). Read more to learn about how to ensure that the right people are included in your estate plan.

Although fictional, the 2011 movie The Descendants, starring George Clooney has some basis in fact. Read more about the lessons learned from the film and how it reflects a common estate planning challenge that many families face when attempting to hold and manage assets (accounts and property) for multiple generations.

Viewing yourself as the main character in the movie of your life is associated with greater psychological well-being. It can make you feel more competent, autonomous, and effective. Read more to learn how to take control of your story by creating an estate plan, enabling you to write a script for your legacy.

As our client—and as a parent—you know that having a comprehensive estate plan ensures that your children will be taken care of if something happens to you. Read more to learn about what if something happens to your child? Should they have a will, too? And if they do not, what happens then?

The long, carefree days of summer are nearing an end. If you have a high school senior at home, childhood is also coming to an end for them as they prepare to graduate, turn 18, and enter the “real world.” Read more to determine if they—and you—are legally prepared for their official start of adulthood.

Estate planning is not just for the wealthy—or older adults, married couples, or any other single category of individual. Estate planning is beneficial for everyone. But this is just one of the many misconceptions people have about wills and estate plans. Read more about the misunderstandings of how wills function and what planning purposes they can be used for.

If you or your loved ones have not yet created a will, you are not alone. In fact, according to a recent survey, not having created a will puts you among the majority of Americans. Learn more about why estate planning should be done early, often, and with attorney assistance to ensure it serves its purpose and stands up to scrutiny.

A vacation property can be one of the most valuable things you can pass down to your loved ones, from both a sentimental and financial standpoint. However, mixing money and family can be tricky. Without a well-thought-out strategy for the ownership transition, hard feelings and disputes could arise, and the vacation home could be used in ways you did not intend. Read more about the actions you can take to prevent this from happening.

If you are like most Americans, the economy is top of mind when it comes to evaluating the candidates. But even if you do not intend to vote, the tax policies of the next administration could have a major impact on your personal wealth and estate planning strategies. Learn more about what the 2024 candidates are saying about estate planning related taxes.

You likely purchased life insurance to protect those who depend on you. Learn more about who you can name as a beneficiary and how the death benefit distribution method can fit into your overall estate plan.

On the surface, life insurance is a straightforward financial product. Read more to learn about several perks you may not have thought about.

Too little estate planning can put your heirs in a bind and tie up your estate in time-consuming and costly probate litigation. But as the legal saga of Aretha Franklin's estate shows, too much estate planning—in particular, planning that introduces uncertainty about your final wishes—can also be problematic.

Famous mom Gloria Vanderbilt was staunchly against trust funds for her kids. And at least one of them applauds her decision.

You may have considered creating a trust to transfer wealth to your grandchildren and great-grandchildren. But you may not have considered how the generation-skipping transfer tax could affect this inheritance. To better explain how the tax would impact a gift in trust, we are going to take a look at some math.

If are part of an ultra-high-net-worth family, it is important to understand the generation-skipping transfer tax and how it may affect your estate plan.

Dynasty trusts have played a crucial role in preserving wealth and fostering a lasting financial legacy for many affluent families throughout history. One excellent example is the Rockefeller family, whose strategic use of dynasty trusts has made them one of the most prosperous and enduring family dynasties in the world.

If you have significant wealth, one of the best ways to protect your family and transfer your wealth is through a dynasty trust. However, setting one up requires considerable financial and estate planning knowledge. Read more and decide if a dynasty trust is right for you.

When we need to work with other professionals on your behalf, we must adhere to specific ethical guidelines, including those outlined in the American Bar Association’s Code of Professional Conduct. Learn one way we help protect you and your information.

This year, try something different to show your love: think about your estate plan and how you can protect and provide for your loved ones. Learn how preparation can help guide your loved ones through life’s challenges.

If you have significant wealth, you may be exposed to future estate tax burdens that must be acted on before the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act reduces the estate tax exemption in 2026. Read more to explore estate planning and tax considerations you should be thinking about.

The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act significantly increased the federal estate tax exemption to $10 million adjusted for inflation. However, the countdown has begun for the potential sunset of this generous exemption by the end of 2025. Read more to learn about the history and potential future of the estate tax exemption.

If you have a severe illness or accident or pass away, who will you trust to look after your pet? There are many ways to ensure your pet continues to have a loving home.

There are several options to ensure that money will be available so your beloved furry family member will continue to receive the same level of care and support that you have always given them.

When we hear the phrase “trust fund kid,” words like “entitled,” “privileged,” and “financially irresponsible” might come to mind. But another word we should associate with “trust fund kid” is “protected.”

An epitaph, by definition, is a brief phrase or sentence expressing a sentiment, often inscribed on a tombstone. Epitaph Day is a symbolic event dedicated to the contemplation and creation of our desired epitaphs. It is a gentle and meaningful reminder of the impermanent nature of life and the importance of having a plan for the future.

You have likely heard the term estate planning, but you may not be familiar with which legal tools typically comprise a complete estate plan. We want to teach you about the legal tools that should be included in your plan and what benefits and protections each legal tool can provide.

Read more to understand the importance of having an up-to-date estate plan and learn how it not only contemplates what happens after your death, but also protects you and your loved ones if you become incapacitated.

Numerous methods exist to contribute to the mission of eradicating hunger in the United States. Meet with a qualified estate planning attorney to learn more about supporting charitable causes by incorporating charitable planning structures into your estate plan.

Christmas and birthday gifts can leave lasting impressions on your grandchildren, but you may want to provide them with a gift that can assist them in building a savings account, furthering their education, or purchasing their first home, to name just a few. We hope this information will assist you in analyzing the important details of making a gift that can often be overlooked.

The purpose of this observance is to raise awareness about the importance of regular self-care. What constitutes self-care can vary widely depending on who you are speaking to. Regardless of the exact definition, taking actions to prioritize self-care is essential to overall emotional and physical well-being and should be prioritized. You likely have an idea of what defines self-care and what self-care means to you, but you may be surprised to hear you could be missing the full picture.

An experienced estate planning attorney will put much thought and effort into ensuring that an appropriate estate plan is created using a variety of legal documents including wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and health care directives.

An often misunderstood but common estate planning tool that can appear in estate planning documents is the power of appointment. Not to be confused with a power of attorney (the document that allows you to delegate certain powers to an agent to act on your behalf while you are still living), a power of appointment can be an incredibly useful tool if used properly and knowledgeably.