Planning for the future, especially your own mortality, is never easy. Even when you understand the importance of creating a will or trust to protect your loved ones, finding the motivation to complete an estate plan can be difficult. Yet an unfinished estate plan is almost as risky as having no plan at all. Without finalized […]
Think back to how your life was seven years ago. Your family, your finances, your relationships, and even the accounts you use have probably changed in ways both obvious and subtle. Seven years does not feel like a long time until you start making the list. It can also change your perspective on your estate plan. […]
Being named executor of someone’s estate is often viewed as an honor. It means the person who created the will trusted you to handle their affairs and carry out their wishes after death. But once the process begins, executors can sometimes discover that the role is more involved than originally believed. Executors must locate assets, pay […]
Many people have a childhood memory of somebody close to them passing away. Whether the deceased was a parent or grandparent, an aunt or uncle, or a family friend, it may have been their first real encounter facing grief or attending a funeral. That experience may have left a lasting impression, influencing what you want—or do […]
For some people, the term family meeting may not bring to mind a pleasant gathering where everyone shares fond memories and warm feelings. When someone says, “We need to talk,” it often implies that something is wrong or that tough decisions need to be made or discussed. However, in estate planning, future problems are exactly what family […]
More couples than ever are building deep, lasting relationships without ever walking down the aisle. Whether by choice, circumstance, or principle, many Americans are opting out of marriage—but not out of commitment. Data indicate that cultural norms regarding marriage in the United States have undergone significant shifts over the past several decades. Consider the following: The […]
At Nielsen Law, we know legal matters—especially involving life, death, and finances—can feel intimidating. Many imagine estate planning as a cold, transactional process full of confusing legal jargon. We believe it should be the opposite: a warm, empowering journey that brings peace of mind. To share our firm’s heart, Attorney Katlyn Winters answers common questions about […]
One goal of estate planning is to ensure assets, including your home, pass to chosen beneficiaries quickly and inexpensively. In real estate, a common strategy to avoid probate is adding others to the title of the property, such as a spouse, children, or other beneficiaries. Many who use this strategy are banking on using the “rights […]
