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Estate Planning Attorney Guide: How to Protect Your Family, Wishes, and Legacy

Estate planning often gets framed as a financial task—something to handle later, once life slows down. It’s frequently described in terms of assets, property, and paperwork, which can make it feel...

Do I Need an Estate Planning Attorney for Powers of Attorney and Advance Directives?

When people think about estate planning, they usually think about wills and what happens after death. But some of the most important estate planning documents are the ones that protect you while...

Elder Law & Medicaid Planning in Western North Carolina: How an Estate Planning Attorney Helps You Plan for Long-Term Care

As people in Western North Carolina live longer, healthier lives, many families begin to ask important questions about the future. What happens if long-term care is needed? How can assets be...

Year-End Options for Giving to Charity

The desire to make a difference doesn’t end with our death. For many people, incorporating charitable giving into their estate plans allows them to support causes they care about while creating a...

How to Preserve Your Family Stories and Legacy

A client once told me she would give anything to hear her grandmother’s voice again. Her grandmother had been the heart of the family—the one who told stories about how she had survived the Great...

The $1.5 Million Estate Planning Mistake You Can’t Afford to Make

Picture this: You and your spouse spend decades building a successful business, accumulating assets, and creating a stable life for your family. You think you’ve done everything right with your...

Why “Bargain” Estate Planning Often Costs the Most

I had an interesting conversation with a potential client last week. After explaining my Life & Legacy Planning® process, she said, “This all sounds great, but my friend told me I can get a trust...

When Fame Can’t Fix Family: Lessons From Hulk Hogan’s Estate

When wrestling legend Hulk Hogan passed away at the age of 71, the world lost an icon. But behind the headlines about his estimated $25 million estate and decades of wrestling fame lies a...

The Hidden Truth About Traditional Estate Planning

You’ve signed your estate planning documents, tucked them safely away, and checked “plan for the future” off your list. Maybe a lawyer prepared them. Maybe your financial advisor handled it. Or...

“It Has Been Such a Good Life”: The Legacy Your Loved Ones Need

When Anna Harp lost her father, Rudolph Clausing, she didn’t get to say goodbye. It was January 2021, during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Her dad had been battling lung disease when he...

Inheritance Shock: What to Do When Real Estate Lands in Your Lap

You’ve just lost someone important to you, and now you’re responsible for their home. Maybe it’s sitting empty while you figure out what to do next. Maybe you’re planning to sell it, or perhaps...

The One Bill Every Family Needs to Understand Right Now

The massive tax legislation known as the “One Big Beautiful Bill” (“OBBB”) became law on July 4, 2025, bringing sweeping changes that will affect nearly every American family. While much of the...

The $17 Billion Estate Plan: What Every Family Can Learn

Imagine you’re worth $17 billion and have over 100 biological children—some born through relationships, others through anonymous sperm donations. What would your estate plan look like? More...

The Life-or-Death Decisions Your Family Shouldn’t Have to Make Alone

When you think about estate planning, you probably picture wills, trusts, and who gets what. But what happens when decisions are made about your body, without your full consent or when you’re not...

When Paradise Turns to Pain: Jimmy Buffett’s Estate Battle

Jimmy Buffett built an empire around the laid-back “Margaritaville” lifestyle, but his $275 million estate has become anything but relaxing for his family. The legendary singer’s widow and his...

What Priscilla Presley’s Lawsuit Reveals About the Prevalence of Elder Abuse

July is National Sandwich Generation Caregiver month, and there’s a case in the headlines right now that drives home just how important elder abuse awareness is. Priscilla Presley, 79, is currently...

Distributing Personal Property in Your Estate Plan

When it comes to estate planning, most people focus on the big-ticket items: the house, investments, retirement accounts, and other significant assets. However, personal property—everything from...

Why You Need to Add a ‘When I Die’ File to Your Estate Plan

As an estate planning attorney, I’ve seen firsthand how overwhelming it can be for families left to sort through a loved one’s affairs after their passing. Even those with a well-drafted will or...

The Missing Will Mystery: How Zappos CEO’s Estate Chaos Could Have Been Avoided

Imagine this: You’ve built a business empire worth hundreds of millions of dollars, transformed a city’s downtown area, and touched countless lives with your vision and generosity. Then,...

Why A Will Is Not A Suitable Option For Protecting Your Pet

These days, many people consider their pets to be family members. The emotional bond we share with our pets often surpasses that with our human companions. As such, it’s only natural you’d want to...

Estate Planning Before You Travel: Why It’s Critically Important

Vacations can be the perfect opportunity to relax, disconnect from work and responsibilities, and enjoy your spouse, partner, kids, or friend’s company. But before you head off on your next getaway...

Turning 18? Don’t Skip These 3 Legal Must-Haves

With the arrival of summer, young people across the country are about to reach a key milestone: high school graduation. If you have a child claiming their diploma, now is the time to prepare them...

Why Business Owners Deserve More Than an Easy or Cheap Estate Plan

Picture this: you’ve just set up your estate plan using a quick and easy online DIY form or a budget-friendly legal service. Or, your financial advisor drafted it for you for a nominal fee while...

A Legacy of Honor: Estate Planning as a Lasting Tribute on Memorial Day

When we think about Memorial Day, we often picture parades, flags at half-staff, and moments of silence to honor those who gave their lives in service. But beyond ceremonies and traditions,...

The Death Tax May Die—Now What?

Have you ever worked your entire life to build something valuable, only to worry about a significant portion being taken away after your death, and before it gets to the people you love? That’s the...

10 Guardian Mistakes That Could Put Your Kids at Risk (And How to Do It Right)

Imagine this: something unexpected happens, and you’re suddenly unable to care for your children. It’s a parent’s worst nightmare. In this situation, you would want to know that your children will...

Don’t Make This $700 Million Mistake: Include an Asset Inventory in Your Estate Plan

Imagine accidentally throwing away $700 million. While it sounds like the plot of a movie, this nightmare scenario has become a reality for James Howells, a computer engineer from Wales, who has...

Gene Hackman’s Estate: A Wake-Up Call

The recent passing of legendary actor Gene Hackman has revealed a complicated estate situation that is a powerful warning for everyone – married couples especially – regardless of net worth....

Why Reviewing Your Trust Regularly Isn’t Optional—It’s Essential

You’ve taken the important step of creating an estate plan, including a trust—congratulations! This shows you care deeply about keeping your family out of court and conflict, ensuring your wishes...

Beyond the FDIC Safety Net: Protecting Your Cash When Your Savings Exceed Insurance Limits

Imagine this: You’ve spent decades carefully saving money, building a comfortable nest egg representing years of hard work and discipline. One morning, you’re sipping coffee and browsing the news...

Til Death Do Us Part? Why Unmarried Couples Must Have An Estate Plan That Works For the People They Love

Love in the 21st century takes many forms, and for many couples, “forever” doesn’t always include a marriage license. While a deeply personal choice, being unmarried adds layers of legal and...

Planning a Trip? Protect Your Children with a Kids Protection PlanⓇ

As summer approaches, you’re likely focused on planning the perfect getaway with your children—booking flights, reserving hotels, and mapping out exciting activities. However, one crucial aspect of...

A Step-by-Step Guide To Funding Your Trust

Creating a trust is a crucial step in estate planning, ensuring that your assets are managed and distributed according to your wishes. However, more than establishing a trust is required; you must...

Estate Planning During Divorce: Lessons from Shannen Doherty’s Legacy

The July 2024 passing of beloved Gen X actress Shannen Doherty offers important lessons about estate planning during divorce. Known for her iconic roles in “Beverly Hills, 90210,” “Heathers” and...

BOI/CTA UPDATE: Treasury Department Suspends Enforcement of Penalties

UPDATE: On March 2, 2025, the U.S. Department of the Treasury announced that it will not enforce any penalties or fines associated with the Corporate Transparency Act (“CTA”) reporting requirements...

The Unexpected Challenges of Being an Estate Executor

When someone asks you to be the executor of their estate, it might seem like a straightforward responsibility – distribute assets according to their will and handle some paperwork. However, as many...

What You Need to Know About Trusts & Homeowner’s Insurance

When you create an estate plan with a living trust, you’ve taken an essential step toward protecting your home and family from the cost of court. However, many people don’t realize that placing...

Missing Assets: Why Estate Planning is More Than Just Documents

Did you know your assets could become “unclaimed property” and be turned over to the government? It happens more than you think! State governments across America currently hold a staggering $60...

4 Estate Planning Myths That Put Your Loved Ones at Risk

Surveys conducted in 2024 by Caring.com and Ameriprise Financial revealed a troubling trend: Americans are falling behind on estate planning. The Caring.com survey revealed that only 32% of...

Five Essential Steps to Protect Your Loved Ones

Do you know that uneasy feeling when you think about what everyone you love would do if (and when) something happens to you? That nagging voice reminding you that you still haven’t created a will...

Utilizing Estate Planning For FAFSA Eligibility

Understanding how financial aid and estate planning intersect can make a significant difference when preparing for college expenses. This article will explain how asset ownership influences aid...

Our Top 10 Most Common Estate Planning Questions: Part 2

When planning for your family’s future, the options can feel overwhelming. Should you get a will? Create a trust? And what happens if you do nothing at all? These aren’t just academic questions –...

Our Top 10 Most Common Estate Planning Questions: Part 1

Regarding estate planning, I get many questions about many topics. One of the most common questions I hear concerns account ownership and asset management. Understanding how accounts are titled and...

Estate Planning in Times of Change: Part 2

In Part 1 of this series, we explored general estate planning considerations in today’s changing landscape, especially those related to taxes, interest rates, and asset protection. Now, let’s focus...

Estate Planning in Times of Change: Part 1

With a new presidential administration onboarding, the estate planning landscape is shifting beneath our feet. If you’ve been waiting for the “right time” to create or update your estate plan,...

Lessons from Tony Bennett’s Estate Battle

When legendary singer Tony Bennett passed away in July 2023, he left behind an estimated $100 million estate and, unfortunately, a family divide threatening to tarnish his legacy. His daughters...

How To Create a Lasting Family Legacy This Holiday Season

The holidays, a time for family, reflection, and gratitude, present a unique opportunity to build a meaningful and lasting family legacy. While financial inheritance is important, the value you...

How the Holidays Can Inspire Your Family Legacy Planning

As the holidays approach, many families are busy planning menus, coordinating travel, hitting those holiday bucket list activities, baking treats for friends and neighbors, and preparing for a big...

The Hidden Truth About Settling a Loved One’s Estate

When someone names you as their executor, it might feel like an honor – a sign that they trust you to handle their final affairs. However, what many people don’t realize is that being an executor...

Honoring Service: Essential Estate Planning Tips for Veterans and Their Families

Every day, we honor the brave individuals who have served our nation with dedication and resilience. Your service was a testament to your commitment to a better, safer future – and now it’s time to...

Shining a Light on Shelley Duvall’s Death and Estate Plan

Shelley Duvall, best known for her role as Wendy Torrance in The Shining, passed away recently at the age of 75. While her acting legacy continues to captivate fans, her passing reveals important...

Debunking 4 Common Estate Planning Myths

You might think estate planning is only for the wealthy or too complicated and expensive. These are just a few myths surrounding estate planning that I hear often. In reality, estate planning is...

A Comprehensive Guide to Disaster Preparedness

In today’s world, where natural disasters and unforeseen events can disrupt our lives immediately, preparedness is no longer a luxury; it’s a necessity. So, to ensure you and your loved ones are...

Navigating End-of-Life Care: Lessons from a Daughter’s Tragic Experience

In an aging society, you might face difficult end-of-life decisions for your loved ones sooner than expected. And when you do, you’ll realize the journey through end-of-life care is rarely...

A Power of Attorney May Not Be What You Think

If you’ve ever considered planning for your future or helped someone plan for theirs, you’ve probably heard the term “power of attorney.” But do you know what it is? The terms “power” and “attorney...

Preventing Family Feuds Over Your Personal Belongings

The passing of a loved one is a heartbreaking event, filled with grief and sorrow. However, the aftermath can become even more painful if disagreements over their personal belongings tear your...

Matthew Perry’s Estate Plan Demonstrates the Benefits of Trusts

When Matthew Perry, the beloved star of Friends, passed away last year, the world mourned the loss of a comedic icon. However, as details of his estate began to emerge, a curious puzzle presented...

What Do Lasagna and Estate Planning Have in Common?

Have you ever heard horror stories about families fighting over Grandma’s jewelry or getting stuck in a never-ending legal battle after someone passes away? Or how long it can take to sell a house...

3 Questions to Ask Yourself Before Creating Your Estate Plan With AI

Have you jumped on the AI bandwagon yet? If so, you’ve probably used it to make your life easier. AI can be incredibly helpful, especially when the stakes are low. Need a personalized meal plan or...

Reflections on Your Legacy

As the seasons change and we transition from the warmth of summer, it’s a perfect time to reflect on the contributions and achievements that have shaped your life. The work you’ve put into building...

How Relying On Beneficiary Designations Put Your Family at Risk (And How To Fix It!)

You’ve worked hard to build your assets and secure your family’s future. Like many responsible adults, you’ve named beneficiaries on your retirement accounts, life insurance policies, and maybe...

Would $23,000 Make a Difference to You?

Imagine discovering thousands of dollars that belong to you, only to be told you can’t have it. This frustrating scenario became a reality for a woman named Dale Benerofe, a Georgia resident when...

Would You Make This Million Dollar Mistake?

Imagine this: You’re in your twenties, just starting your career. You fill out a form at work, naming your live-in significant other as the beneficiary of your retirement account. You start...

Celebrity Estate Plans Series Part 4 of 4: Elvis and the Scammers

For the last few weeks, we’ve discussed celebrities and how they planned for their deaths. We started with the King of Pop, Michael Jackson, so ending our 4-part series with the King of Rock, Elvis...

Celebrity Estate Plans Series Part 3 of 4: Jay Leno’s Case is No Laughing Matter

For the last two weeks, we’ve discussed celebrities and how they planned (or didn’t!) for their deaths. In this third installment of our four-part celebrity series, we discuss a topic that no one...

Celebrity Estate Plans Series Part 2 of 4: Vanilla Ice Has Thoughts

This week, we’re continuing to look at the lives of 4 celebrities and how they’re preparing for the inevitable (or didn’t!). Last week, we examined Michael Jackson’s planning and the holes in his...

Celebrity Estate Plans Series Part 1 of 4: Michael Jackson

What is it about celebrities that always draws us in? For whatever reason, we just can’t resist a good, juicy celebrity story. So, for the next few weeks, we will look at the lives of 4 celebrities...

The Surprising Connection Between Men’s Health and Estate Planning

As you may know, June marked Men’s Health Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about health issues predominantly affecting men and encouraging the early detection and treatment of disease...

3 Strategies For Navigating Your Child’s Transition Into Adulthood

When your child turns 18, they’re legally an adult even though they have a lot more growing to do. Just like any other adult, their health and financial information is protected by privacy laws....

What Probate Is and How To Avoid It — Part 2

Unless you’ve created an estate plan that works to keep your family out of court, when you die (or become incapacitated) many of your assets must go through probate before those assets can be...

What Probate Is and How To Avoid It — Part 1

Unless you’ve created a proper estate plan, upon your passing many of your assets must first go through the court process known as probate before those assets can be distributed to your heirs....

Avoid These 4 Common Estate Planning Pitfalls

If you’re a parent, you’ve always strived to provide the best for your family, ensuring their well-being and securing their future. However, even the most well-intentioned plans can falter if you...

4 Reasons Why a Cheap Estate Plan Won’t Work For Your Family

Most people, regardless of stature and wealth, likely do not know how to evaluate estimates when shopping for an estate plan.Shopping for an estate plan based on getting the lowest cost plan...

Crafting Your Lasting Legacy With Estate Planning

Legacy and estate planning are often misunderstood and perceived as “only for the wealthy” and/or “philanthropic”. But that couldn’t be further from the truth. Legacy isn’t just about money or...

10 Steps to Take Now to Secure a Comfortable Retirement – Part 2

Welcome back to our discussion on securing a comfortable retirement! In the first part of this series, we explored essential steps including estate planning, preparing for long-term care, and...

10 Steps to Take Now to Secure a Comfortable Retirement – Part 1

Retirement is more than just an end to the working years; it’s an exciting new phase of life that requires thoughtful preparation and strategic planning. There’s no time like the present to explore...

A Gift of Peace and Power for Every Parent

Parents spend their days and nights thinking about how to make sure their children are happy, healthy, and safe. If you’re a parent, you know. Every parent deserves the peace of mind and power to...

Here’s What You Should Know About A Will

Having a Will, otherwise known as a Last Will & Testament, is important—and all adults over age 18 should have this document in place. But creating a Will is just one small part of an effective...

What Happens To Your Social Media Accounts When You Die?

When you die, what happens to your online life? Each social media platform has its own rules for dealing with the accounts of deceased users, ranging from permanent deletion to transforming...

Why Estate Planning Is the Best Use of Your Tax Refund

When that extra bit of money from your tax refund lands in your bank account, it’s easy to start dreaming about how you can use it. Financial experts may tell you it’s a chance to pay off debts,...

I received a tough diagnosis. How do I think and talk about what’s important in my care?

We’re sorry to hear the news. As you go forward, please take care and know that The Conversation Project will be here as a resource for you and those who support you.We can’t plan for everything....

Three Ideas for Solo Agers to Keep in Mind

Solo aging means different things to different people. Generally, a solo ager is an older adult who does not have immediate family to turn to for support with concerns like health care. So many...

How To Tell Someone Your Wishes When They Don’t Want To Listen

So you’ve decided to think about and share your wishes for medical care… and the person who you want to talk to doesn’t want to hear it. What do you do?Here are some ideas:Warm them up. Introduce...

Thoughtful Ice Breakers That Lead to Meaningful Conversations

Right now, more than ever, people around the globe are reflecting on their life values, what kind of treatment they would want in the event of a medical crisis and who they would want to speak for...

10 Ideas of Things to Do for National Healthcare Decisions Day (NHDD) (in 10 Minutes or Less)

We can’t plan for everything. But we can talk about what is most important — in our life, and in our health care — with those who matter most. National Healthcare Decisions Day (NHDD) on April 16...

13 Ways to Show Your Finances Some Love This Year – Part 2

Last week we explored seven ways to show your finances and your family some love with smart, tax-advantaged financial tips for the new year:Make a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD)Front-load...

13 Ways to Show Your Finances Some Love This Year – Part 1

While thoughtful financial planning doesn’t sound as fun as a fancy night out or a night in with Netflix, making smart planning decisions with your assets is one of the best gifts you can give –...

Your Kids Might Not Automatically Be Cared For Unless You Do This

As parents, we’re hardwired to prioritize our children’s well-being above all else. We work tirelessly to provide for them, nurture them, and ensure they have every opportunity to thrive. Yet,...

How to Save for Retirement and Pay Off School Loans at the Same Time

Navigating your financial journey with the heavy burden of student loan debt on your back can feel overwhelming. You’re faced with a critical decision: should you prioritize paying down those loans...

3 Reasons Why Adding Your Partner to Your Will is an Act of Love

Love is undoubtedly the most profound and cherished thread that weaves us all together, and there are many different ways to express our love to the people who mean the most to us. Often when we...

Important Planning Conversations to Have With Your Parents

If you’ve given any thought about estate planning, you probably associate it with preparing for death. But there are critical reasons for and significant benefits to planning while you’re still...

3 Best Practices For Setting Up Your Life Insurance Policy

A comprehensive Life & Legacy Plan is about creating a strategy that lets you enjoy your life to the fullest while protecting your loved ones’ future when you can no longer be there. It might seem...

This Change to the FAFSA Rules Could Help Your Grandkids Qualify for More Student Aid

Want to contribute to your grandchild’s future college education? The FAFSA Simplification Act, which went into effect in December, now makes it possible for grandparents to do even more to help...

Your Most Important New Year’s Resolution: Creating a Kids Protection Plan

As we welcome the New Year, filled with hope and resolutions for a brighter future, one commitment should be at the top of your list– creating a Kids Protection Plan™. It can be hard to think...

What Caregivers Need to Know About Estate Planning for a Loved One With Dementia – Part 2

Last week, we started our discussion on estate planning for a loved one with a dementia diagnosis and what this means for their ability to protect their wishes through an estate plan. We covered:...

What Caregivers Need to Know About Estate Planning for a Loved One With Dementia – Part 1

Caring for a loved one with dementia is a challenge that millions of families undertake each year. As a caregiver, understanding how a dementia diagnosis affects your loved one’s legal decision...

3 Ways to Comfort and Support A Loved One in Mourning

Losing a loved one is an incredibly challenging experience, and the journey through grief can be both complex and overwhelming. Unfortunately, we all experience grief at one time or another, and...

Roll Unused 529 College Savings Into a Roth IRA

In December 2022, Congress passed the SECURE 2.0 Act, bringing significant changes to the world of retirement savings and student loans. Two key parts of the Secure 2.0 Act are in effect, and they...

How To Pass On Family Heirlooms and Keepsakes Without Causing A Family Feud

When creating an estate plan, people are often most concerned with passing on the “big things” like real estate, bank accounts, and vehicles. Smaller items, like family heirlooms and keepsakes,...

Protect Your Children’s Inheritance With A Lifetime Asset Protection Trust

As a parent, you’re likely hoping to leave your children an inheritance. In fact, doing so may be one of the primary factors motivating your life’s work. But without taking the proper precautions,...

What You Need To Know About The Corporate Transparency Act Reporting Deadline

Business ownership is a fulfilling and exciting endeavor, but it also comes with rules, responsibilities, and reporting requirements that can be hard to track. If you own a small business or have a...

3 Things You Need To Know About Retirement Distributions

If you’re part of a blended family (meaning you are married with children from a prior marriage in the mix), you’re no stranger to the extra considerations and planning it takes to keep your family...

3 Tips For Discussing Finances With Your Family Over The Holidays

The holidays are right around the corner, which means more time to gather with family and relatives than any other time of the year. If you’ve been meaning to talk with your family about finances,...

Naming Godparents Does Not Create Legal Guardians

As a parent, your top priority is the well-being and future of your children. You plan for their education, health, and happiness, and often this planning includes the tradition of choosing...

Transition to Adulthood: The Legal Impact of Your Child Turning 18

Soon after the challenges of puberty and the excitement of high school, an even larger milestone looms: the 18th birthday. It marks your child’s transition from childhood to adulthood, and with it...

8 Things To Do Now to Lower Your 2023 Taxes – Part 2

Last week we looked at four different ways to lower your tax liability for 2023, from adjusting your tax withholding to strategically planning your medical procedures. In this week’s blog, we...

8 Things To Do Now to Lower Your 2023 Taxes – Part 1

It might seem a bit early to think about your 2023 taxes, but as the year draws to a close, it’s the perfect time to take a closer look at your financial situation and make some strategic moves...

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Email: plan@brlegacylaw.com

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