If you think the executor or administrator of a decedent’s estate is mismanaging the assets within it, it’s easy to feel powerless. However, when you know what steps to take, you may be able to hold the executor accountable while preventing further loss. 22 Apr

Executor Mismanaging Estate: What Beneficiaries Should Do

If you have a large estate, consider gifting during your lifetime as a strategy to help reduce estate taxes. Take the time to meet with a tax and estate planning professional to ensure your gift and estate plans are well thought out and properly implemented. 17 Apr

Lifetime Gifting Strategies: Ways to Give Assets Tax-Free

When someone manipulates a vulnerable person into changing their estate plan, affected family members may challenge the documents based on undue influence. 15 Apr

Undue Influence: Proving Someone Manipulated an Estate Plan

Estate theft is a serious allegation that can have lasting consequences. Whether you’re pursuing a claim or defending against one, taking the right legal steps is critical in safeguarding the interests of the estate as well as your own.   14 Apr

What to Do if You Suspect —or Have Been Accused of— Estate Theft

Have you considered how your treasured collectibles can support your lifestyle and enrich your legacy? Treating these assets as an active part of your planning opens new doors for flexibility, peace of mind, and meaningful generational transitions. 14 Apr

Integrating Collectibles into Lifestyle and Legacy Planning

This episode of Financial Decoder explores inheritance from both perspectives: the person planning to pass on wealth and the heir receiving it. 13 Apr

Financial Decoder Podcast Examines “Both Sides of an Inheritance”

Absence of a clear and well-structured will often leads to protracted and costly legal disputes, straining relationships. Take steps, now, to ensure your will is "contest-proof"... 13 Apr

Eliminating Ambiguity: Steps to Ensure Your Will is “Contest-Proof”

An understanding of the legal framework governing estate and trust distributions provides the necessary context for examining why fiduciaries may choose to postpone disbursements. 11 Apr

Frequently Asked Questions About Delayed Distributions

State inheritance laws vary more than you might expect — learn how they affect spousal rights, what happens without a will, and which states impose inheritance taxes. 04 Apr

Inheritance Laws Vary By State: Understanding Your Rights

A holographic will is a will written entirely in the the will-maker's own handwriting and signed by them, without any witnesses. About half of U.S. states recognize them as legally valid. The rest do not. 04 Apr

Which US States Recognize a Holographic Will as Legally Valid?

If you are a trust beneficiary in California, the law stands behind you. You have specific, enforceable rights that a trustee cannot ignore, sidestep, or delay. If your trustee has treated you unfairly, here's what you need to know... 02 Apr

Your Rights as a Trust Beneficiary in California

Estate tax planning can significantly affect what you leave behind. Here are six ways to help minimize taxes on your estate... 01 Apr

Six Ways to Help Minimize Taxes on Your Estate in Canada