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I am, on occasion, asked the question ... "Can you be the executor of my will?".  It's a good question to ask. Technically, the answer is yes. However, it begs another question: why would you want your attorney to be the executor? Is it your only option?...

I have written a few posts about how to select an estate planning attorney, but I thought it would be helpful to share the opinions of someone else on this topic. Originally published online on Investopedia in 2024, it was most recently updated on October 31, 2024,...

If you do not have a will or you have one but it needs updating, which situation is "worse" do you think?  Read on for the answer.   If you do not have a will, what happens when you die? The state in which you reside can step in (because you died...

  The following is a recent article from Kiplinger (9/1/25) authored by Donna LeValley. I thought it was interesting; hope you do as well. "You can use these trusts to cement your legacy, organize your estate and limit your exposure to estate and gift taxes....

Working with an experienced estate planning attorney offers plenty of benefits, and one of them is to help ensure you don't make a BIG mistake when naming your beneficiary. You wouldn't think this could be that tricky, but in fact it can be.   First, let's...

I first posted the following article in early 2023. The information is still worthwhile and in fact, the percentage of households in the US with at least one pet has increased to 71% from 70% in 2023. Read on for some considerations when it comes to estate planning...

Having a living will is essential for everyone, regardless of marital status, age, or life stage. If you're not sure what a living will is, basically, it is a legal document in which you provide instructions about the medical care you want to receive if you become...

Sometimes I hear stories about individuals who found themselves working with an estate planning attorney who wasn't a good fit. Often, by the time they realized it, it was too far into the process to change, so they just soldiered on.  Estate planning can feel...

As promised last week, here is the remainder of the article about new tax laws, numbers 8-15. Written by Patrick Horning, J.D., C.L.U., CRP for Northwest Mutual, which appeared on LinkedIn on 7/10/25. Hope this is helpful.   8. “Taxpayers taking the standard...