Blog Posts

While television and movies provide great entertainment, they are not always factual. Even shows based on real events are not entirely accurate. Creators of television programs and movies will often alter details of a story or situation to provide an enjoyable experience. Because of these widespread embellishments, people often develop misconceptions about many industries and professions, … [Read more...] about Estate Administration Details that TV and Movies Get Wrong

As a millennial, you are contributing to the workforce in a major way and are making positive changes in the world around you. We understand that your concerns may differ from someone of a different generation, and we are here to help you craft an estate plan that protects your future and addresses the things that matter most to you. The following are some important steps you need to take to … [Read more...] about To the Millennials: The Time to Plan Is Now

The term last will dates back more than a millennium to English common law, in which a person expressed what they “willed” to have happen to their property. The use of what we now know as a will dates back even further, to ancient Romans, who, under the Code of Justinian, recognized documents that transferred possessions from deceased male citizens to their heirs. While some of the specific … [Read more...] about Could a Will Be Right For You?

The majority of Americans do not have a will, and the number of US households with a will has been in steady decline. At the outset, it is important to dispel a recurring myth about estate planning: It is not just for the wealthy—or older adults, married couples, or any other single category of individual. Estate planning is beneficial for everyone. But this is just one of the many … [Read more...] about Debunking Common Misconceptions About Wills

Advisors should understand why most Americans do not have even the most basic estate plan in place. Advisors should also pay attention to the validity of wills for those people who do have a will or are engaged in the estate planning process. Will contests are surprisingly common, and nontraditional wills such as handwritten and oral wills, as well as do-it-yourself wills prepared without an … [Read more...] about A Financial Advisor’s Guide to Navigating Different Types of Wills

Which Will Would You Choose? If you or your loved ones have not yet created a will, you are not alone. In fact, according to a recent survey, not having created a will puts you among the majority of Americans. Like many Americans, you may wait for a major life event to occur before putting your final wishes into a formal estate plan, but this is not advisable. Estate planning should be done … [Read more...] about Are You Ready to Celebrate National Make-a-Will Month?