Top 5 Questions to Ask Before Hiring an Estate Planning Attorney
Talking about topics like death or incapacity can feel uncomfortable. Meeting with an estate planning lawyer might even seem intimidating. However it doesn’t have to be that way. Estate planning isn’t about preparing for the end — it’s about making thoughtful decisions that protect your life and the people you care about most. When approached […]
3 Reasons Single Adults Without Children Still Need an Estate Plan
Today, more adults are choosing to delay marriage and parenthood — or skip them entirely. For some, financial pressures like student loans, job instability, or economic downturns have reshaped their life plans. For others, remaining single and child-free is simply a personal choice. Whatever the reason, single-person households are becoming more common. And while many […]
5 Ways DIY Estate Plans Can Fail & Put Your Family at Risk — Part 2
Search online for “digital wills” or “online estate planning,” and you’ll find dozens of platforms offering inexpensive — sometimes even free — legal documents. From wills and trusts to powers of attorney and healthcare directives, these services promise a fast and affordable alternative to hiring a lawyer. Companies like LegalZoom®, Rocket Lawyer®, Trust & Will, […]
5 Ways DIY Estate Plans Can Fail — and Put Your Family at Risk (Part 1)
If you search online for “digital wills” or “online estate planning,” you’ll find countless websites offering low-cost — and sometimes even free — estate planning documents. From wills and trusts to powers of attorney and healthcare directives, these platforms promise fast, affordable solutions without hiring a lawyer. Companies like LegalZoom®, Rocket Lawyer®, Trust & Will, […]
6 Things You Should Never Put in Your Will
A will is one of the most essential tools in estate planning. While relying on a will alone is rarely enough for most families, nearly every complete estate plan includes one. Your will outlines how you want your property distributed after your death. Without one, state laws determine who receives your assets — and that […]
Why So Much Money Becomes Unclaimed Property — And How to Prevent It
Every year, billions of dollars in financial assets end up in state custody as unclaimed property. Most people assume this only happens to others. In reality, it can happen to anyone. What Is Unclaimed Property? Unclaimed property refers to financial assets that have had no activity or owner contact for a period of time. After […]
Where Will You Live as You Age? Legal and Financial Considerations You Shouldn’t Overlook
Planning for later life isn’t just about choosing a comfortable place to live. It involves complex decisions that affect your independence, finances, and long-term security. Understanding your options now can prevent crisis decisions later. Common Living Arrangements for Aging Adults Many older adults prefer to remain in their homes for as long as possible. Aging […]
Protecting Generational Wealth: Why Legacy Planning Matters for Black Families
February is Black History Month — a time to honor strength, resilience, and achievement. It’s also an important moment to reflect on the future and the legacy you’re creating for your family. For many Black families, building wealth is not built on inherited advantage. It is often the result of first-generation success — purchasing a […]
Will or Trust? Understanding the Right Choice for Your Family
When people begin estate planning, one of the first questions they ask is: Do I need a will, or should I create a trust? The answer depends on your family, your assets, and your long-term goals. What a Will Does A will allows you to: However, a will typically goes through probate — a public […]
What Happens If You Die Without an Estate Plan?
Many families assume everything will “just work out” if something happens. Unfortunately, without a clear plan, state law decides what happens next. The Court Decides If you pass away without a will or trust: Frozen Accounts and Delays Bank accounts may be temporarily inaccessible.Property transfers may be delayed.Family members may disagree on decisions. What could […]