A contingent beneficiary is a backup beneficiary who inherits assets if the primary beneficiary is unable to, for example, if they predecease you or are unable to accept the inheritance. You likely need a contingent beneficiary to ensure your assets are distributed as intended, even if your primary beneficiary can't receive them.  19 Mar

What is a Contingent (or Secondary) Beneficiary?

An advance directive is a broad term for legal documents outlining your wishes for medical care if you become unable to make decisions, while a living will is a specific type of advance directive that focuses on end-of-life medical treatment.  19 Mar

What is the Difference Between an Advance Directive & a Living Will?

On occasions a will may have been prepared in such a manner that it is not clear precisely what the testator intended. Competing interpretations can often lead to a dispute between parties... 19 Mar

What Happens When a Will is Vague or Ambiguous?

Most individuals consider purely domestic estate matters to be complex and challenging.  Add another country into the equation and the legal complexity quickly multiplies. 19 Mar

Navigating Cross-Border & Multijurisdictional Estate Matters

Cost of Care Calculator & Long-Term Care Options: By State 18 Mar

Cost of Care Calculator & Long-Term Care Options: By State

In estate planning, a beneficiary designation is the act of naming the person or entity who will inherit specific assets, like life insurance proceeds or retirement account balances, upon your death, bypassing the probate process.  18 Mar

Beneficiary Designations: Bypassing the Probate Process

There can be sentimental reasons to keep inherited real estate, but —unless you plan to use the property personally— you should ask yourself: would you buy that real estate with an equivalent amount of cash? 17 Mar

Inheriting Real Estate: Ask Yourself “Would You Buy it?”

Being an executor is no easy task. While it can be a great honor, the role comes with significant responsibilities and potential risks. Before agreeing to serve as an executor, make sure you understand the scope of your duties and the possible hazards involved.  16 Mar

Surprising Hazards of Being an Executor: Know the Risks!

Estate planning and long-term care planning should go hand in hand. A well-prepared plan ensures that assets are managed properly, healthcare preferences are honored, and family members are not left struggling to make last-minute financial decisions. 15 Mar

Estate and Long-term Care Planning Should Go Hand in Hand

Sudden wealth is often seen as a dream come true. But the reality is far more complex— What losing $14 Million taught estate planning attorney, Paul Deloughery, about sudden wealth and inheritance... 14 Mar

$14 Million Lesson: The Hidden Dangers of Sudden Wealth

Divorce significantly impacts estate plans, potentially invalidating provisions naming a former spouse as a beneficiary or executor, so a review and update are crucial.  13 Mar

The Significant Impact of Divorce on Your Estate Plans

A common misconception about donor advised funds is that they are trusts, charitable purpose trusts. At times, lawyers, especially those with expertise in trusts and estates, struggle with this distinction, as do donors. 13 Mar

Donor Advised Funds vs. Charitable Purpose Trusts