ESTATE PLANNING

Create an estate planning road map using a letter of instruction

Including a letter of instruction in your estate plan is a simple yet powerful way to communicate your personal wishes to your family and executor outside of formal legal documents. While not legally binding,…

The One, Big, Beautiful Bill Act provides certainty for estate planning

Ever since the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) was signed into law in 2017, estate planners have had to take into account a looming date: January 1, 2026. While the TCJA effectively doubled…

When moving out of state, review your estate plan

There are numerous factors to consider when you decide to pull up roots and relocate to another state. Your estate plan likely isn’t top of mind, but it’s wise to review and update it…

Stop procrastinating and get to work on your estate plan

For many people, creating an estate plan falls into the category of important but not urgent. As a result, it can get postponed indefinitely. If you find yourself in this situation, understanding the reasons…

An employee stock ownership plan can be a versatile business exit and estate planning tool

As a closely held business owner, a substantial amount of your wealth likely is tied to the business. Of course, you want to retain as much of that wealth as possible to pass on…

How The One, Big, Beautiful Bill proposes to change the gift and estate tax exemption

The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) effectively doubled the unified federal gift and estate tax exemption — and annual inflation adjustments have boosted it even further. For individuals who make gifts or die…

From the simple to the complex: 6 strategies to protect your wealth from lawsuits and creditors

Asset protection is a strategic approach to safeguarding your wealth from potential lawsuits and creditor claims. Indeed, protecting your assets is critical in today’s litigious environment. Without proper planning, a single lawsuit or debt…

Have you made arrangements for your pets in your estate plan?

For many people, pets are more than just animals — they’re cherished members of the family. Yet, when it comes to estate planning, their future care can be overlooked. Including your pets in your…

After a person dies, his or her debts live on

One question the family of a deceased person often asks is: What happens to debt after a person dies? It’s important to realize that a person’s debt doesn’t simply vanish after his or her…

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