This comes up more than you’d think. A loved one passes away, and someone says, “the will is safe – it’s in the banks deposit box.” It sounds like the right idea at first. The…
A Will is a Good Start – But It’s Not the Whole Picture
A lot of people think that once they’ve written a will, they’re all set. And it’s true – a will is better than nothing. It names who you want to handle your estate and who…
Even Celebrities Die Without Wills. Here’s Why That Matters
It might surprise you, but some of the most famous people in the world died without a will. Prince. Michael Jackson. Aretha Franklin. Jimi Hendrix. Elvis Presley. Their names are known everywhere, but when they…
Why Everyone Needs a Will—No Matter the Size of Your Estate
Here's an estate planning myth, "I don't have many assets and only own one small condo, I don't need a will." This isn't true! A will is important for those that have any number of…
Choosing an Executor or Trustee: Key Considerations
How to Choose the Right Executor or Trustee One of the most important decisions you’ll make in your estate plan is choosing the person who will carry it out. This might be an executor, who…
How to Designate Beneficiaries in Your Trust and Will
WWho Gets What: A Straightforward Guide to Naming Beneficiaries in Your Estate Plan Naming beneficiaries might seem like a small task. It isn’t. This one decision can shape the entire outcome of your estate. Get…
The difference between a “Living Will” and a “Last Will and Testament”
If you’re getting serious about estate planning, you’ve probably run into the terms “last will” and “living will.” They sound similar, and they’re often mentioned in the same breath. But they serve entirely different purposes,…
Keeping your Will up to date is essential
A will is one of the foundational documents in any estate plan. A will gives you the power to control how your assets are distributed to your relatives, beneficiaries and heirs. Without a valid will,…
Understanding Challenges to Wills
Creating a will is a smart step in planning for your future. This isn't a final or irreversible step though. They can be revised and updated at any time during the testator's life. This can…