You signed the Power of Attorney. You checked the box. You assumed your family would be able to step in if something happened.

But when a spouse or parent loses capacity, that same document can suddenly get rejected by the bank you need access to most and your family may not have the time, energy, or legal authority to fight back in the middle of a crisis.

As your Personal Family Lawyer®, this is exactly the kind of problem I work to prevent before your loved ones ever have to experience it the hard way. Read more…

You might think estate planning is just about who gets what when you’re gone. It’s also about who stays safe, housed, informed, and protected in the days right after.

The reported story of Marie-Thérèse Ross-Mahé shows how quickly grief can turn into legal chaos when there’s no clear plan in place. Read more…

When you die without a real plan, you don’t just leave your family grieving, you leave them a mess to clean up.

Court battles. Creditor claims. Endless paperwork. And often, everything you worked so hard to build ends up in the hands of a young adult who has no idea where to begin.

That’s exactly what happened to Anne Heche’s family. Read more…

If your estate plan is years old, or you did it yourself, you might call an attorney asking for a quick, low-cost review, assuming it’s simple and straightforward. The reality? A proper estate plan review is (and absolutely should be) far more thorough than most people expect. Read more…

A Lady Bird Deed can be a smart way to protect your home and make things easier for your family but it’s not a full estate plan by itself. Knowing when this tool works (and when you need more than just a deed) is what makes the real difference. Read more…

Many people worry about leaving debt behind for their loved ones but what actually happens to debt after death isn’t as simple (or as scary) as most people think. Learn how it really works and what your family needs to know. Read more…

Choosing between a will and a trust isn’t just a legal decision, it’s one that shapes how smoothly things go for the people you love. Learn what actually matters so your plan works in real life, not just on paper. Read more…

Too many estate plans fail because they start with a cookie-cutter, “sign here” meeting. That’s not planning, that’s paperwork. An Estate Planning Session flips the script. It’s not about documents in a drawer; it’s about creating a plan packed with meaning, clarity, and real value for you and everyone you love. Read more…

Over 100 heirs? Whether you're distributing billions—or just wanting your values to carry on—thoughtful planning is non-negotiable. That’s the only way to make sure your wealth and your values land where you want them. Read more…

The late Zappos CEO left behind millions—and zero estate plan. What followed? Total chaos, sticky notes as “wishes,” and courtroom headaches that could’ve been avoided with a solid plan (and a couple of check-ins).

Lesson? No matter your age or bank account, proper estate planning matters. And yes, regular reviews too. Read more and learn how to keep your legacy drama-free.

Roses wilt. Chocolates disappear. But peace of mind? That’s forever.

This Valentine’s Day, skip the cliché gifts and give something truly meaningful—an estate plan that says, “I’ve got you.”

Protect your loved ones from court, conflict, and confusion.
Ensure your kids, assets, and wishes are covered—no guesswork, no stress.

Nothing says "I love you" like securing your family’s future. Read more!

Picture this: You’re in your twenties, completing a form at your job, and designating your partner as the beneficiary of your retirement account. Fast forward 28 years—you’ve moved on, experienced life to the fullest, and then passed away, leaving your former partner with your now-million-dollar retirement savings. Sounds unbelievable? Think again. Read on to find out more.

The internet is awash with DIY Wills and Trusts, tempting you with the prospect of saving money and safeguarding your loved ones posthumously. However, be wary! These solutions can end up causing far more problems than they solve. Discover why.

In this blog, we delve into how including your partner in your Will and estate plan transcends being a mere romantic expression, representing the deepest demonstration of love and commitment. Dive in to learn more.

AARP and the Red Cross celebrate Make-A-Will Month by encouraging you to make a Will for free online,  but what they aren’t sharing could leave your family with a mess. Read more… 

Did you forget any of these critical financial steps when you created a Trust? Be sure to read this week’s blog to learn why proper funding of your Trust is essential to making it work! Read more.

When you think of estate planning, a Will is usually the first thing that comes to mind. In fact, most people who contact me tell me they don’t need anything complicated for their estate- just a Will. But although they are a key part of your estate plan, relying on only a Will leaves huge gaps in your estate and actually guarantees that your family will need to go to court when you die. Read more …

Although it might seem foolproof to leave your pet to someone you trust through your Will, this estate planning tool alone won’t work to protect your pet from an uncertain future. Read more to learn why a Will is not the best planning tool for your pet and what you should do instead to ensure your furry, feathered, or scaly friends are cared for no matter what. Read More…

Stephen “tWitch” Boss, a hip-hop dancer, choreographer, and TV producer known for his role on So You Think You Can Dance and The Ellen Show, passed away suddenly on December 13, 2022. Because Boss died without a Will or Trust, Boss’ widow and three children must navigate the court system to collect his assets. Find out why this cautionary tale is relevant to everyone, not just the rich and famous. Read More…

If you are looking to create your last will and testament, or will, online, you’ll find dozens of websites that let you prepare a variety of estate planning documents for very little money and even for free. With so many do-it-yourself online document services out there, you might believe you can create your will online, all on your own, without paying a lawyer to help. 

And in some cases, you can create your will online. 

But if you do, you need to understand how these services can backfire on you and your family. Online estate planning can be a catastrophe for those who aren’t aware of the risks. And as you’ll see, creating your will online without a lawyer’s guidance can even be worse for your family than if you’d done nothing at all.