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I haven't posted information about blended families in quite a while. The most recent data show that around 40% of married couples with children in a household have one or both spouses who brought children from a prior relationship. I wouldn't be surprised to learn...

The following article from NerdWallet, published on May 5, 2023, and authored by Elizabeth Ayoola, provides interesting information about a topic that is not often discussed but should be. If you have a loved one who has a mental illness for whom you want to provide...

Recently, a friend mentioned a book she was reading in which parents of adult children die in a tragic auto accident. Each parent had a will naming the other as the beneficiary, as expected, but, as it turns out, each left very different instructions should the other...

The following article was originally published on Kiplinger in August 2023. The authors, Elaine Silvestrini and David Rodeck updated it in early October 2025. Their updates, including a survey about inheritance expectations by age, are interesting, and they have added...

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...