Estate Planning Insights

Clear, practical articles to help you better understand estate planning, trusts, and related topics. Our goal is to provide helpful information so you can make informed decisions for yourself and your family.

Latest Articles

What to Do if You Are a Trustee

When you set up a living trust, choosing your trustee is a key decision. The trustee is the “executor” of a living trust. They manage trust assets if you become unable to do so, and after you pass away, they

Don’t leave your loved ones in a digital bind

You may have planned for your loved ones to eventually inherit your house, the Steinway grand piano, your dad’s 88-year-old Swiss watch, or other family heirlooms, but with life increasingly being lived online, you may be overlooking an increasingly important

Should a Donor-Advised Fund Be Part of Your Estate Plan?

A donor-advised fund, or DAF, lets the donor reap tax benefits while also being able to direct how the money is distributed and invested. Many individuals are interested in including charitable giving in their estate plans. This giving can take

Biden’s Budget Bill (and it how it might apply to you)

Recent headlines have been dominated by discourse surrounding Biden’s proposed $3.5 Trillion “Build Back Better” plan, and the recent negotiations looking to trim it. Here’s a quick update on where those negotiations stand, and how the bill may affect you.

What Does a Trustee Do Anyway?

If a loved one asks you to act as a trustee of their trust, it is because they trust you to be able to handle their affairs in their place. They believe you can exercise strong, fair, and independent judgement

What Californians Need to Know About the Oregon Estate Tax

Of all the states, Oregon has (rightfully) earned a reputation for having one of the most complex and far reaching estate tax structures. Any individual who owns property in Oregon, (even if they have never been a resident of the

What Britney Spears has to do with your Estate Planning

In recent weeks, music icon Britney Spears has been dominating headlines as more and more details about her legal conservatorship have come to light. In her emotional court hearing a few weeks ago, Britney spoke out about the abusive nature

Unpacking the Proposed Estate Tax Changes

In the past few weeks, it’s likely that you’ve seen attention-grabbing headlines like these: Wealthy may face up to 61% tax rate on inherited wealth under Biden planBiden’s estate tax changes will wipe out millions of small businesses. With lots of dialogue

Death and Taxes

Death and Taxes are two certainties in life. When they collide, the results can be disastrous without careful consideration and planning. The good news is that most inheritances are passed on free of tax. However, a misstep could cost you