Estate Planning Articles
Some of these articles have been written by our law firm and other articles are written by the American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys and compliments of our law firm. Any feedback or questions about the articles can be addressed by contacting our office.
Sometimes “No” is the Best Answer
Just because you receive an inheritance does not mean you have to accept the assets. You have the right to disclaim the inheritance, which can be beneficial in some circumstances.
Facing Reality: The Essence of Family Business Succession Planning
It’s no secret that a business owner must face the reality of what will happen to their company upon their death. Are you prepared to consider the many factors of family business succession planning?
How to Avoid an Estate Planning Scam
Did you know that estate planning scams are becoming more and more common? Here are three tips for making sure you are never a victim.
Gifting Your IRA to Your Favorite Charity
Many people may be considering giving to a favorite charity or cause especially around this time of year. However, it’s important to make sure you’re informed about the latest tax rules before drawing from your Individual Retirement Account (IRA) to avoid any unpleasant surprises. Find out why you should speak with an experienced attorney when you’re feeling charitable this holiday season.
Planning for Adoption
When you make the decision to adopt a child into your family, it can be an exciting and emotional time. Don’t let this joyous occasion of adoption lead to legal or financial trouble that can be avoided with proper planning. Find out why it’s important to speak with an experienced estate planning attorney when you’re ready for that big step!
How to Include Service Providers in your Estate Plan
We typically have several companies or individuals who provide important services in our day-to-day life. Would your Trustee know who to contact in order to make sure everything from your home to your medical care continues to run smoothly if you were no longer able to? Find out what to consider when creating a list of important “service providers” when creating your estate plan.
Which Costs More: Probate or Trust Administration?
A Living Trust can help you avoid probate, but does it really save you money? Let’s compare the cost of administering a Trust with the cost of probating a Will.
Your Independence, Rising Medical Costs and Retirement
Many of us believe we have the “planning for the future” space covered. We’ve worked hard and saved. Our homes are paid off by the time we go into retirement and as far as we’re concerned, life now consists of living well in the way we define. Planning is key, but knowing precisely what you need to plan for is crucial.
The Role of Legacy Planning
Legacy planning goes beyond typical estate planning and focuses on protecting not only a family’s assets but their personal legacy, such as family values, stories and heirlooms.
The Ties that Bind: Grandparents and Grandchildren
There are few things more precious than the relationship between grandparents and grandchildren. Be sure you leave them with more than just memories. Proper estate planning is a great way to make the most of your gifting efforts.

