Estate planning can feel confusing when you are trying to decide between a will and a trust. Many people know they need something in writing, but they are not sure which document fits their situation. The right choice depends on your property and your family. It also depends on how you want your affairs handled…
She found the notebook in the top drawer of her mother’s desk. Six pages. Every account. Every password. Username, password, recovery question. Her mother had been organized her whole life, and the notebook proved it. Then she tried to log in. The bank account asked for a six-digit code sent to her mother’s phone. The…
When a loved one dies, family members are often faced with many things at a time that is already difficult. One of those duties may be to administer the person’s estate through probate. A lot of families feel overwhelmed at first, but knowing what to expect can make the process much more manageable. If you…
If you are a divorced father, you already know something that most married fathers don’t: showing up for your kids takes more deliberate effort than it looks like from the outside. You have worked on the relationship you have with them. You know which weeks are yours and how to make them count. You have…
If you are a stepfather, you know the difference between the legal definition of father and the real one. The real one shows up. He learns the allergies, the fears, and the names of the friends. He drives to the practices and sits through the recitals and knows which child needs quiet when they’re upset…
A lot of people think estate planning is only for rich people or old people. In fact, nearly everyone can benefit from having an estate plan. An estate plan is a way to make sure that your wishes are carried out when you die, or if the time comes that you are no longer able…
There are two kinds of fathers. The first kind coaches the games, makes it to the school plays, stays up late helping with the projects, and loves his family in every visible way. He thinks about what would happen if something happened to him: maybe during a long drive home, maybe after a close call,…
I work with parents on this exact question all the time, and especially this time of year, sitting right between Mother’s Day and Father’s Day, the love you have for your children tends to be at the forefront of your mind. But there’s a question I find most parents haven’t actually answered yet, even the…
Many people try to handle estate planning on their own. Online templates, downloadable forms, and do-it-yourself legal websites may seem like an easy way to save time and money. Some people figure these tools are good enough for simple situations. But mistakes in estate planning can cause costly problems for loved ones down the line….
She had been filing taxes the same way for thirty years. Married filing jointly. Two incomes, two Social Security checks, one tax return. When her husband died, she assumed very little about her finances would change. She still lived in the same house. She still had the same savings. Her income was lower, yes, but…