As we get further into the New Year, it is essential to take stock of the changes that have occurred in your life and evaluate how they may impact your estate plan. Here’s a checklist of questions to guide your review and ensure your estate plan is current and aligned with your wishes. Financial and…

It would be convenient if an estate plan was something you could just create and then forget about. Unfortunately, your estate plan needs regular maintenance to ensure it is still ready to accomplish your goals.  Many personal changes in your life should prompt you to update your estate plans. We describe some of the most…

What are the advantages of probate avoidance? Why would anyone seek to avoid probate? To understand the answers to these questions, an explanation of the probate process is required. What is Probate? When someone dies, probate is the government (i.e., court) process by which their debts are paid and their assets are passed to beneficiaries.…

If you’ve explored the basics of estate planning, you’ve probably found information regarding irrevocable trusts, and with good reason. Irrevocable trusts remain an excellent tool for protecting your assets, providing for your family when you’re gone, and much more. The information below will help you understand a little more about what an irrevocable trust is (and…

Business owners, physicians, and other professionals must, at all times, be concerned about the liability that may arise from the operation of their businesses and professional practices. Similarly, people who own real estate, mineral interests investment accounts, bank accounts, and other valuable assets worry that lawsuits may wipe out everything they’ve worked their entire lives…