Estate Planning Basics
Learn the essentials around planning and protecting the future for your family and loved ones.
Should Your Power of Attorney Be Updated?
Whether you're planning your estate or need someone to handle important financial or legal matters for you while you're away, a power of attorney is…
How Natural Disasters Stress the Need for Estate Planning
Being prepared for a natural disaster means having a well-stocked supply closet: extra toilet paper, clean water, batteries, and other necessities on…
How to Write a Codicil to a Will
You can amend your will with a written codicil, but it's not always a good idea.
How to Draft a Will Without a Lawyer
You can write a perfectly legal will on your own, without a lawyer, in every state. But should you?
10 Things You Should Know About a Testamentary Trust
A testamentary trust can ensure children or others who need help managing the proceeds of your will are protected.
How to Prevent Your Family from Contesting Your Will
When you create your will as part of your estate plan, you are making sure your last wishes will be carried out. All that careful planning and…
Updating Beneficiary Designations: Why It's So Important
When you sign up for a life insurance policy or a retirement account, you name a beneficiary to receive the proceeds of the policy when the…
Understanding Probate Lawyer Fees
While not every estate needs a probate lawyer, having an experienced attorney as an ally can be a big help to an executor or administrator – but how…
Trust Mills: What to Watch Out For
If you've never heard of a trust mill, consider yourself lucky, but also be wary. There's a growing segment of trust “advisors” trying to convince…
Revising Your Estate Plan After Divorce
After a divorce, your estate plan will undoubtedly change. It is important to consider changing your will, living trust, power of attorney documents…