As parents, we generally try to treat our children fairly. Unfortunately, we often assume that fairness means leaving an equal inheritance to each child. However, “fair” does not always mean “equal.” A thoughtful estate plan considers each child’s unique circumstances to create distributions that truly support their needs.

ou love your children and want to ensure that they are always taken care of. The desire to provide for them may also be shared by their grandparents, aunts, and uncles. However, when leaving money and property to minor children, even the best intentions can lead to big problems. Common mistakes can cause chaos for your family. Here is what you need to know to protect and provide for the children you love.

It is a topic no parent wants to think about: What would happen to your children if you were gone? However, facing this question is one of the most loving and powerful things you can do for your kids. If you take no steps to legally nominate a guardian for your minor children, a judge who does not know your family will determine who raises them. The nominated guardian will be responsible for raising and caring for your children when you cannot.

You want to ensure that your child is always protected, no matter what. While legal documents are the last thing you want to think about, creating a will and other estate planning tools is one of the most loving things you can do for your child. As a Dad and a lawyer, I always say, “Pray for the best and plan for the worst.” With that mantra in mind, here are five key things every new parent should know about wills.

For many people, retirement accounts—such as IRAs, 401(k)s, 403(b)s, and other qualified plans—are among their largest assets. Choosing the right beneficiary for these accounts can significantly affect how much your loved ones receive, how quickly the money must be distributed, and how much is lost to taxes. One strategy some people use is naming their revocable living trust as the beneficiary of these accounts. This approach offers meaningful benefits in terms of control and

You may have signed a financial power of attorney (POA) that allows one or more people to act on your behalf if and when you become unable to act for yourself. However, a financial POA is not valid in certain situations. Knowing the limitations of a financial power of attorney is an often-overlooked aspect of estate planning. To ensure that you have anticipated every contingency, you should discuss with your estate planning attorney the POA exceptions noted in this article.

Living arrangements for aging Americans are decidedly leaning towards aging in place. Nearly all older adults prefer to age in the comfort of their long-time homes and familiar community surroundings. Aging in place often means living alone. Pew Research findings indicate that older people in the United States are more likely to live alone than in any other country worldwide. This preference for living solo, however, comes with hidden danger. Research from Science Times repo

HEMS stands for Health, Education, Maintenance, and Support. It is a standard often used in trusts to guide how and when trustees may distribute funds to beneficiaries. It is a foundational concept in estate planning that provides clarity for trustees, offers protection for beneficiaries, and carries essential tax implications.

For most people, the phrase “power of attorney” means very little. Even for those educated on the subject, it is easy to forget exactly who serves what role and why. Whether you are unfamiliar with the concept or simply need a refresher, keep reading to learn what it means to be an agent under a power of attorney.   To begin, it is helpful to understand what is being asked of an agent under a power of attorney. A person appointed to the role becomes a representative of the pr

When families think about estate planning, the focus often falls on who will inherit what. But just as important is how  assets are...