Category Archives: Uncategorized
The True Cost of Inheriting a Home
The United States is in the midst of the largest generational wealth transfer in history. Over the next few decades, baby boomers are expected to pass down an estimated $84 trillion in money and property,[1] around $18–19 trillion of it related to residential real estate.[2] For millions of younger Americans, this means inheriting a… Read More »
Why a Trust for Your Child Should Mature with Your Child
From the moment a child is born, a parent feels an instinctive drive to protect and nurture. We childproof our homes, carefully choose schools, offer guidance through adolescence, support their careers, and watch with pride as they start their own lives. The desire to be there for them extends beyond emotional and physical care…. Read More »
Does Treating Your Children Fairly Mean Unequal Inheritances?
When thinking through their estate plan and how they want their assets(money and property) managed after they pass away, most parents wish to treat their children equally, often out of a sense of fairness. However, sometimes being fair or doing what is right by your children may mean giving unequal inheritances. The Key Takeaways… Read More »
Planning for Real Estate in a Foreign Country
The allure of a foreign land—perhaps where the weather is milder, the pace of life slower, and the cost of living lower—is a dream for many Americans who want to escape our country’s fast-paced, high-cost living. That dream can become a reality, and a tangible investment, for Americans who purchase real estate in a… Read More »
Your Divorce Decree: The First Step in Estate Planning
You and your spouse have recently divorced, and the judge has signed the divorce decree. Now what? Although you may feel that you have spent enough time and money on lawyers, there is one last attorney you need to talk to: an estate planning attorney. If you and your former spouse created an estate… Read More »
Want to Disinherit Someone? This Is What You Need to Know
Disinheritance—the intentional exclusion of a family member, usually a child or spouse, from receiving part of your estate after your death—is more common than you might think. It is also easier than you might think to disinherit a loved one, with a couple of notable exceptions. However, it is not as simple as omitting… Read More »
Three Estate Planning Mistakes Farmers and Ranchers Make—and How to Avoid Them
Farming and ranching is more than just a livelihood; it is about preserving a legacy and a way of life. Unfortunately, many farmers and ranchers fail to create a comprehensive estate plan—or any estate plan at all. Without proper estate planning for farmers and ranchers, the family farm or ranch – passed down for… Read More »
It’s Planning Season
To have a successful farm, thoughtful planning must be done every season. Your life is no different. To properly prepare for the next season in your life and the lives of your loved ones, you need a well-executed estate plan. When crafting a foundational plan to protect yourself, your loved ones, your business, and… Read More »
5 Reasons Uncle Bill May Not Make a Good Trustee
If you have created a trust that you intend to last for decades, selecting the right trustee is critical to ensuring the trust’s longevity and ultimate success. Today, let’s discuss how to choose a trustee. Initially, you may think that a family member (for example, Uncle Bill to your children, who are the initial beneficiaries… Read More »
Where Is the Best Place to Store Your Original Estate Planning Documents?
Estate planning attorneys are often asked where to store estate planning documents— specifically original wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and healthcare directives—for safekeeping. While there is no right or wrong answer to this question, consider the following: Should you store your original estate planning documents in your safe deposit box? Some people believe that… Read More »
