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Today, many families are scattered across the country, with parents living in one state and children in another.

You may not be able to choose the family you are born into, but you can choose the family you build through marriage, partnership, and the life you create. The traditional nuclear family is no longer the default, and biological family ties are no longer always assumed. Marriage remains its own unique legal institution, with rights and obligations that go far beyond the promise of “’til death do us part.” However, it looks very different than it once did—and so do the challeng

Creating an estate plan is an important step in protecting your loved ones and ensuring that your assets are distributed according to your wishes. Unfortunately, scammers know that people who want to safeguard their estates are often willing to act quickly. Even a carefully drafted estate plan can be undermined if you fall prey to a fraudulent scheme. Scammers often leverage fear, urgency, and lack of familiarity with the estate planning process. According to a 2023 report fr

You’ve got to hand it to them: You nearly believed them when they said you were a partial owner of land that you inherited but never knew existed. They had names, dates, even a specific plot, supposedly with mineral rights, that you would never have been able to locate on your own. Good scam. After you hang up, something does not sit right and nags at you. How did they know about your adoptive grandfather? That kind of information may be online, but it is so specific. Then yo

Think back to how your life was seven years ago. Your family, your finances, your relationships, and even the accounts you use have probably changed in ways both obvious and subtle. Seven years does not feel like a long time until you start making the list. Your estate plan needs to keep up with you. The problem is that your estate plan does not update itself. Documents you signed years ago may still be legally valid, but that does not necessarily mean that they still reflect

Being named executor of someone’s estate is often viewed as an honor. It means the person who created the will trusted you to handle their affairs and carry out their wishes after death. But once the process begins, many executors discover that the role involves far more than distributing belongings or closing a few bank accounts. Executors must locate assets, pay debts, communicate with beneficiaries, and navigate probate court procedures, which can stretch the estate admi

who will step in to make important decisions for you if you become unable to do so or who will receive your money and property after your death

Losing a loved one is challenging enough without added complications. One way you can take some of the pain out of administering your estate is by preparing a death box, also called a death binder, next-of-kin box, or legacy folder. It serves as a centralized place to organize important information and documents in a productive, practical way, ensuring that all necessary paperwork is kept in a single location and that those who need it know where to find it. Why Create a Deat

Steward —a term for someone entrusted with the care of something that does not personally belong to them—is commonly used in such realms as business, public service, and environmentalism. Conservationists may be referred to as stewards of the land. Business leaders may describe themselves as stewards charged with acting in shareholders’ best interests. Public figures refer to stewardship of democracy, taxpayer dollars, and the public trust. The concept of stewardship has also

Many people own property in more than one state, such as an ocean-side vacation home or a rental property in a former home state. It is important to think about how that property will be handled after you pass away. Through proper estate planning, you can help minimize the burdensome court proceedings your loved ones may otherwise face after your death. What Is Ancillary Probate? Probate is the court process that must take place after you pass away to transfer property you o

Your real estate encompasses not only your primary residence but also any vacation homes, rental properties, or even vacant land you may own. The ideal form of ownership varies depending on the type of property and your individual circumstances. Your Primary Residence How you own your primary residence affects your control over it while you are alive, its level of protection from creditors, and what happens to it after you pass away. The most suitable way to own your home o

Reviewing your estate plan is among those crucial to-do items. Make the best use of your time by considering the following urgent steps.

To prevent family strife and bickering among your loved ones, you need to think in a big-picture way about the little things in your estate.

Receiving an inheritance can be a meaningful and transformative experience, but it can also create challenges if not handled thoughtfully. Without a clear plan, an inheritor may struggle to manage newly acquired assets, face creditor or tax issues, or lack the financial experience needed to preserve and grow what was left to them. A well-designed estate plan can help anticipate and mitigate these risks by providing structure, guidance, and protection around inherited wealth.

estate planning can also bring moments of connection, reflection, and gratitude. It can stir up difficult emotions—and resolve them as well.

relying on a court-appointed guardianship is not an ideal substitute for comprehensive estate planning

The estate planning process is a perfect opportunity to bring everyone together outside of those scheduled occasions

The carefully thought-out plan you created years ago may not meet your current goals or family circumstances.

Take control of your wealth distribution by understanding what wills don’t control and the benefits of a trust.

Have you just welcomed a baby to the family? Protecting your newborn goes beyond car seats and babyproofing. Ensure that your child is protected no matter what life brings by creating an estate plan. Establishing an estate plan is one to-do task that many people put off. They may delay this very important task due to lack of time, the belief that they do not have enough money or property, not knowing how or where to start, or fear of contemplating death. Whatever the reason,