Recent News & Blog / Estate Planning
How to Prepare for the April 15 Gift Tax Return Filing Deadline
If you made large gifts to family members or heirs last year, you may need to file a 2025 gift return by April 15.
Play It Smart by Naming Co-Executors
Choosing an executor is one of the most important decisions in the estate planning process.
When Should You Update Your Estate Plan?
Many people think of estate planning as a “one-and-done” task—something you complete and file away—but an estate plan should evolve as your life, finances, and relevant laws change.
Increase Estate Planning Flexibility by Decanting an Irrevocable Trust
Irrevocable trusts provide various estate planning benefits, such as reducing estate taxes and helping to ensure assets are distributed as you wish, but estate planning isn’t a “set it and forget it” process.
Owning Real Estate in Multiple States Can Negatively Affect Beneficiaries
A vacation home, rental property, or future retirement residence may play an important role in your long-term plans. However, if you hold properties across multiple states, it can create estate planning issues that can be easily overlooked.
Considering Splitting Gifts with Your Spouse? Here’s What to Consider
The gift tax annual exclusion allows you to transfer up to $19,000 (for 2026) per beneficiary gift-tax-free, without tapping your $15 million (for 2026) lifetime gift and estate tax exemption.
3 Steps to Help Ensure That Your Estate Plan Won’t be Challenged After Your Death
It’s not uncommon for family members to contest a loved one’s will or challenge other estate planning documents.
Leverage Your Gift Tax Annual Exclusion Using a Crummey Trust
A Crummey trust provides a key tax benefit of an outright gift without some of the downsides.
5 Steps for Addressing Your Elderly Parents in Your Estate Plan
When creating or updating your estate plan, it’s important to address your elderly parents with both clarity and sensitivity.
How Making Health Care Decisions While You’re Still Healthy Benefits You and Your Family
Integrating health care decisions into your estate plan is important because it ensures they are thoughtful, informed, and reflective of your values.