Blog

Published on August 4, 2021

How do I name a Guardian for my children if I were to die unexpectedly?

Nominating a Guardian for your minor children is something that is done in your Last Will and Testament. For many clients this is a top priority when creating an estate plan. Technically, a court names the Guardian of your minor children. However, in your Will you will have the opportunity to nominate who you would […]

Published on July 21, 2021

Blended Family Estate Planning

When it comes to estate planning for blended families, there is no one size fits all solution. Likewise, sometimes a measure of creativity is required. While the following solutions are far from an exhaustive list, here are some frequently used options worth considering: 1. Joint Revocable Living Trust – The most straight forward option is […]

Published on June 25, 2021

Can my parents create a Will or Trust if they are seriously ill? When is it too late?

When someone is particularly ill, is not an ideal time to create an estate plan–it should be avoided if possible. However, sooner is always better! The downsides of waiting until you (or your parents/grandparents) are late in years or terminally ill, include: (1) You never know when your health could quickly fail (or suffer an […]

Published on June 17, 2021

“Durable” vs. “Springing” Power of Attorney

Learn more about Power of Attorney declarations and the role they can play in your estate plan. You may have heard the terms “Durable” and “Springing” associated with a Power of Attorney. These terms distinguish the circumstances under which your representative (called your “attorney-in-fact”) has the authority to act on your behalf. With a “Durable” […]

Published on May 28, 2021

Estate Planning for Cryptocurrency

Cryptocurrency is a unique financial asset. Accordingly, it requires unique consideration when planning your estate. Financial assets such as retirement accounts or checking accounts, are typically transferred to your trust by listing the trust as a beneficiary, POD (payable-on-death designee), or via a similar convention. However, any cryptocurrency stored in your digital wallet is intended […]

Published on April 14, 2021

Navigating the Intersection of Beneficiary Deeds, TODs, and Your Will

The implications of utilizing non-probative transfers, such as Beneficiary Deeds and POD/TOD designations, can be tricky to understand when preparing a Will. Rule #1: Wills have no control over assets transferred by Beneficiary Deed or TOD A common scenario: a client wants to avoid probate, so they apply “non-probative transfers” to their assets. By non-probative […]

Published on March 5, 2021

Pour-Over Wills Are Crucial to Trust-Based Estate Planning

If I have a trust do I still need a Will? In short, yes. It is always advisable to have a Will. If you have a Trust you should still have a Will. There are certain issues addressed in your Will that cannot be addressed in a Trust. Some of these issues include nominating a […]

Published on February 4, 2021

How Does a Trust Work?

Learn about how Revocable Living Trusts work. How does a Trust work? “A Will Meets a Business” I think it is easiest to think of a Trust as “a Will meets a business.” A Trust is like a Will because it performs the same ultimate function—transferring your assets to your beneficiaries. However, a Trust is […]

Published on January 15, 2021

What is the Difference Between a Will, a Living Will, and a Living Trust?

Learn the difference between commonly confused estate planning terms. Estate Planning terms vary from state to state Legal verbiage is notoriously confusing. In Estate Planning this confusion is compounded by different states using different terms to describe the same concepts. One example is the term “Executor.” An Executor is called a “Personal Representative” in Missouri […]