Why Your Family Needs a Mission Statement

You probably know you “should” have a will or a trust, but have you ever talked with your family about why your money exists in the first place? A simple family mission statement can dramatically increase the odds that your wealth and your relationships stay intact for generations. Read more…

What to Do When You’re Ready to Create Your Estate Plan but Your Spouse Isn’t

It’s heartbreaking when one spouse is eager to protect the family through estate planning and the other resists. Here’s what to do when your partner isn’t on board. Read more…

Navigating the Sandwich Generation

It’s hard to believe that we waved goodbye to June and July is quick coming to an end. But beyond the fireworks and family trips, July carries another significance – it’s Sandwich Generation Month. Perhaps you’re familiar with the term “sandwich generation”. It describes someone simultaneously caring for aging parents and their own children. It’sContinueContinue reading “Navigating the Sandwich Generation”

How Do Assets Pass to Beneficiaries After Death?

You might be wondering what happens to your stuff after you’re no longer around. Today, we’ll explore the two primary paths through which assets are transferred to beneficiaries after one’s passing – one entails legal proceedings, while the other offers a straightforward, more hassle-free process. Outside of Court The easiest option is passing assets outsideContinueContinue reading “How Do Assets Pass to Beneficiaries After Death?”

Probate: Why Avoiding it Matters in Estate Planning

Probate is a term that often crops up in discussions about estate planning, but a lot of people don’t know what it is. More importantly, they’re not sure why they should strategize to avoid it. Understanding ProbateProbate is the legal process through which a deceased person’s assets are distributed to their heirs and beneficiaries. ItContinueContinue reading “Probate: Why Avoiding it Matters in Estate Planning”

Top 3 Reasons Singles Need an Estate Plan

Singles need to plan for unexpected circumstances possibly even more urgently than those who are married. REASON #1: Singles need to choose their decision-makers. Being single can be awesome, but one drawback is that without a spouse, it is not always obvious who should make decisions for you when you cannot make them for yourself.ContinueContinue reading “Top 3 Reasons Singles Need an Estate Plan”

Critical Reading: Estate Planning for Parents of Kiddos With Disabilities

As an estate planning attorney, my journey has illuminated the paramount significance of crafting comprehensive estate plans, particularly for parents with children with disabilities. Today, we delve into why estate planning is not just a legal necessity but a profoundly compassionate and empowering act. Families with kiddos should consider estate planning as an essential aspectContinueContinue reading “Critical Reading: Estate Planning for Parents of Kiddos With Disabilities”

What Is The Difference Between a Living Will and a DNR?

A “living will” and a Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) are important documents that guide medical decisions if you’re unable to make them yourself. However, they serve different purposes and have key distinctions. Living Will In Virginia and Maryland, a “living will” is part of an advanced medical directive, allowing adults to outline their medical preferencesContinueContinue reading “What Is The Difference Between a Living Will and a DNR?”