Adulting, Made Easier – Stories & Straight Talk
Quick reads, helpful tips, and honest breakdowns of what you need to know.
Featured Posts
Trust Me: If You’re Not Reviewing Your Trust, You’re Risking a Hot Mess
A lot of folks think once they've got a trust, they're good to go—file it, forget it, done. But let me give it to you straight: a “set-it-and-forget-it” estate plan is a recipe for disaster. Just like you wouldn’t skip your annual physical (or at least not proudly admit it), your trust needs regular check-ins to make sure it’ll actually work when your loved ones need it most.
Life changes. Laws change. You change. If your trust hasn’t kept up, it might flop when it matters most—and that’s not the legacy you want to leave behind.
Read more and make sure your plan isn’t collecting dust while collecting risks.
Beyond FDIC Limits: How to Protect Your Excess Cash
Your cash stash might be bigger than the FDIC can handle—and that’s a problem. If your bank goes belly-up, anything above those insurance limits could be left hanging. Let’s talk about how to bulletproof your hard-earned money and make sure every dollar is protected. Your legacy deserves more than crossing your fingers. Read more!
No Rings, No Problem? Not Quite—Why Unmarried Couples Need a Rock-Solid Estate Plan to Protect Their People and Their Stuff
No marriage license? No problem—except when it is. Unmarried couples don’t get the automatic legal perks that married folks do, which means without the right estate plan, your partner could be left out in the cold (and your kids could get caught in the middle). Let’s fix that. Learn how to lock down your assets and protect your people. Read more.
Vacation Ready? Make Sure Your Kids Are Legally Protected
Spring Break is around the corner, and summer’s not far behind—hello, family vacations! But while you're busy packing swimsuits and sunscreen, have you thought about who would step in if something happened to you while traveling?
Yeah, I know—it’s not the fun part of trip planning, but it’s way more important than picking the perfect Airbnb. Let’s talk about how to make sure your kids are protected, no matter where life (or your travels) take you. Read more.
Estate Planning for Same-Sex Couples: Keeping the Law (and Your Legacy) on Your Side
Let’s talk real talk, folks. With all the uncertainty around federal marriage protections, many same-sex couples are wondering—what happens if laws change? The truth is, while policies may shift, a solid estate plan ensures your family stays protected no matter what.
From securing parental rights to making sure your assets land where you want them (not where the courts decide), estate planning is your legal safety net. Because your love is valid—and your rights should be, too.
Read more and let’s lock in those protections.
Divorce & Estate Planning: What Shannen Doherty’s Story Can Teach Us
Shannen Doherty’s passing last year was a heartbreaking reminder that timing is everything when it comes to estate planning—especially during a divorce. Her last-minute split didn’t just close a chapter; it likely saved her estate millions and spared her loved ones from years of messy courtroom drama.
Thinking, "That won’t happen to me?" Think again. Let’s talk about why updating your estate plan during major life changes isn’t just smart—it’s essential. Read more and protect what matters most.
The Hidden Headaches of Being an Estate Executor
Sure, being named as an executor sounds like an honor—until you realize it comes with a to-do list longer than a CVS receipt. Managing finances, handling court paperwork, keeping family drama in check? Yep, all on you. And let’s not forget the potential legal headaches if things go sideways.
Before you say yes to the role (or if you already have and are now wondering what did I just sign up for?!), let’s talk about what being an executor really means. Because trust me, it’s more than just handing out inheritances.
Read more and learn what you’re really in for.
The Valentine’s Gift That Truly Matters—Peace of Mind
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!
Trusts & Homeowner’s Insurance: Don’t Let a Technicality Deny Your Claim
Putting your home in a trust is a savvy estate planning move, but if you don’t handle the insurance side correctly, you could be in for a nasty surprise. Yep, we’re talking unexpected coverage gaps that could leave your most valuable asset hanging by a thread.
Want to make sure your homeowner’s insurance and your trust are playing nice? Read more and learn how to keep your home—and your peace of mind—fully protected.
Estate Planning is More Than Just Paperwork, Folks: National Unclaimed Property Day
Did you know there’s around $60 BILLION in unclaimed property sitting with state governments right now?
Yep, $60 billion—just hanging out, waiting for someone to claim it. As we gear up for National Unclaimed Property Day on February 1st, let me remind you: proper estate planning can ensure your assets never end up in that pile of forgotten funds.
Let’s make sure your legacy goes exactly where you want it—not into the state’s pocket. Read more now.
From Planning to Peace: Be Ready When Disaster Strikes
When disaster hits, there’s no time for guessing games. Preparation and estate planning aren’t just nice-to-haves—they’re your roadmap to peace of mind and a smooth recovery.
Want to make sure you’re ready for anything? Read more now.
Estate Planning Myths That Could Leave Your Loved Ones in Trouble
Only 32% of Americans have a will—and that number has dropped by 6% since 2023. 😳
This decline comes from four dangerous myths about estate planning that could leave your loved ones unprotected and stuck in a mess.
Don’t let misinformation put your family at risk. Read more.
5 Game-Changing Steps to Safeguard Your Loved Ones in 2025
Let’s make 2025 the year you stop procrastinating and start planning! Your loved ones deserve protection, and your legacy deserves to shine. Learn the five must-know steps to safeguard their future and preserve what matters most. Because estate planning doesn’t have to be overwhelming—it just has to get done. Read more.
Estate Planning Meets FAFSA: Let’s Talk Asset Savvy
Big news for families navigating college financial aid! The 2025-26 FAFSA is shaking things up with major changes that promise to make applying smoother than ever. But here’s the twist: these updates might just give your estate plan a run for its money. Planning for your family’s future now includes some FAFSA-savvy strategy. Curious? Let’s dive in. Read more.
Steps to Take Before 2024 Ends to Secure Your Tax Credits
Time’s almost up to make those savvy tax moves and lighten your bill for next year! At 20West Legal, we’ve got your back with a guide to the top tax credits for 2024 and the steps you need to take *now* to maximize your savings before December 31. Don’t let the year end without taking control of your finances—read more and get ahead!
Year-End Giving: Make an Impact That Lasts
Making a difference doesn’t have to stop when you’re gone. Adding charitable giving to your estate plan is a powerful way to support the causes you love and leave a meaningful legacy that lasts for generations. Read more to see how you can make it happen.
Estate Planning FAQs, Part 2 of 2: On How to Handle Your Assets
Estate planning doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Grasping a few key concepts can make all the difference for your family’s future. Read more.
Estate Planning FAQs, Part 1 of 2: Managing Your Assets
Knowing how your accounts are titled and who can access them isn’t just a matter of convenience—it’s key to making sure your assets pass seamlessly to your loved ones and stay safeguarded against potential risks. So, how do you get it right? Read more.
What Tony Bennett's Estate Battle Can Teach Us About Planning Ahead
When the iconic Tony Bennett passed away in July 2023, he left the world a treasure trove of timeless music spanning seven decades—and a family dispute now unfolding in court. Let’s explore what happened. Read more.
More Than a Feast: Using Thanksgiving to Plan Your Family’s Legacy
Thanksgiving is all about family traditions—sharing recipes, swapping stories, and gathering around the table. But here’s a little truth bomb: it’s also the perfect time to start talking about your family’s bigger legacy. Because protecting what matters most goes way beyond that secret stuffing recipe. Read more.