1. What Happened in Sveen v. Melin? In Sveen v. Melin, the U.S. Supreme Court looked at a Minnesota law that automatically removes an ex-spouse as the beneficiary of a life insurance policy once a…
What Happens If Two Wills Turn Up?
When Conflicting Documents Complicate Everything It’s a situation we’ve seen more than once:After someone dies, the family finds two wills. Both are signed. Both look legitimate. And they say different things. Now what? Georgia Law…
Your Parents Named You Executor—But You Live Across the Country
What You Need to Know Before Taking the Job It’s a call many people dread:“Your mom passed away. You’re the executor.” And then it hits you—you live 1,000 miles away. Can You Still Serve? Yes.…
Is It Too Late to Plan If You’re Already in Assisted Living?
Why Estate Planning Still Matters—Even If You’re No Longer Living at Home It’s a common question from adult children:“My mom just moved into assisted living. Is it too late to update her will?” In many…
You’re Named Executor—Now What?
What Happens the Moment Someone Dies and You’re in Charge Being named executor of someone’s estate is an honor—but it’s also a big responsibility. And most people have no idea what to do when that…
What If Your Beneficiary Is in Jail?
How to Handle Inheritance When a Loved One Is Incarcerated It’s not a situation most people plan for. But what happens if someone you’ve named in your will or trust is in jail or prison…
What If Your Trustee Moves to Another State?
What If Your Trustee Moves to Another State? Why Location Still Matters in a Digital World It’s easy to assume that once you’ve named someone as trustee, you’re set—no matter where they live. After all,…
Who Gets the Lake House? Handling Emotionally Charged Property in Your Estate Plan
Real estate brings out emotions like nothing else. Especially when it’s the family cabin. The lake house. The place with stories. And when you’re gone, everyone has a different idea of what should happen to…
Estate Planning for a Child With Addiction or Financial Instability
If your child struggles with addiction, compulsive spending, or simply lacks financial maturity, leaving them a lump sum inheritance can do more harm than good. This doesn’t mean you love them any less. It means…
Planning for the Family Caregiver: Should One Child Get More?
When a child takes on the role of caregiver, you see the financial strain, time commitment and emotional weight they are carrying. You’re grateful. You start to ask yourself if that child should receive more…