Differences between Estate Administration and Trust Administration
While both estate and trust administration involve settling assets after death, knowing the distinctions is key to effective planning.
October 20, 2025
Your Time to File for Probate Is Limited
Families navigating the aftermath of a loved one’s passing must act quickly. Probate deadlines are strict, and delays can jeopardize the estate’s smooth settlement.
October 16, 2025
Choosing a Guardian for Minor Children is Critical
Choosing a guardian is one of the most important estate planning decisions parents make. It ensures that children are cared for by someone trustworthy and aligned with family values if the unexpected happens.
October 14, 2025
Your Collection Needs to Be Part of Your Estate Plan
Your collection of baseball cards, Birkin handbags or aging Bordeaux may deliver hours of pleasure. It’s also an estate planner’s nightmare.
October 2, 2025
When Your First Choice of Trustee Declines
Even the most trusted family member or friend may decline to serve as trustee. The role can be demanding, involving complex legal responsibilities, financial oversight and ongoing reporting obligations. Some individuals may lack confidence in managing investments or navigating government benefits for people with special needs. Others may be concerned about the time commitment or potential conflicts with other beneficiaries. Understanding the reasons for a refusal can help you adjust your approach. Sometimes the concern is about specific duties, which may be alleviated by offering professional assistance or co-trustee arrangements. In other cases, it may be a firm decision based…
September 22, 2025
It is Wise to Add Your Trust to Your Homeowner’s Policy
Many homeowners risk denied claims by not listing their trust on insurance policies.
September 8, 2025
How Wealth is Distributed in Blended Families
This summer’s passing of Ozzy Osbourne was mourned by heavy metal fans and caught the attention of estate planning attorneys for lessons about how wealth is distributed among members of a blended family. Whether you liked his music or not, Osbourne left an estate estimated to be worth $230 million plus future royalties, reports a recent article from Think Advisor, “What Wealthy Families Can Learn From a Rock Star’s Estate.” There’s no estate battle for now. However, only time will tell if the Osbourne family faces issues like those of many blended families. There’s no simple playbook for these situations,…
September 2, 2025
Parents with Young Children need an Estate Plan
Estate planning ensures that your children and assets are cared for according to your wishes.
August 27, 2025
Options when Inheriting a House
Inheriting a house brings emotional weight—and important decisions that can impact your financial future.
August 21, 2025
Common Trust Mistakes to Avoid
Trusts can be powerful estate planning tools. However, simple errors can lead to delays, disputes and unintended outcomes.
August 19, 2025