As people age and start thinking about their support needs, they may want to prepare in advance for their legal and financial protection. They may create an estate plan if they have not already done so or may draft new documents to address the challenges they may face...
Estate Planning
Avoid these common estate planning mistakes
Estate planning isn’t just for rich or elderly people. It’s a necessary step for anyone who wants to protect their family and their assets. Unfortunately, many people make mistakes when creating an estate plan that can lead to conflicts and added expense down the...
Planning your online assets and presence
Your digital footprint is as important as your material assets. Digital assets include any property on the internet, like social media profiles, online banking, cryptocurrency, email accounts and subscription services. Many people overlook the importance of organizing...
Do you need a separate estate plan for out-of-state property?
If you own property in another state, you don’t need a second estate plan. However, your current one may need a few key updates to work across state lines. Here’s what you should know before it becomes a problem for your family. Owning property in another state can...
4 things to know before moving rentals into an LLC
You own rental properties, and you are ready to work on your estate plan. A friend suggested forming an LLC first, claiming it makes inheritance easier. But does it? The truth is, forming an LLC before estate planning can sometimes complicate the process of...
When should you update your estate plan?
A good estate plan brings peace of mind, but you should not keep it the same forever. Life changes fast. Alabama families often reach a point where they need to review their documents again. Regular updates help your wishes stay in line with your current life, your...
Is it legal to disinherit a child?
Not all children turn out as their parents hope. Sometimes that is down to the child, sometimes it is down to the parents' preconceptions about how their child should be. And sometimes, it's a mixture of things, with both parties partly to blame. It’s therefore...
Can smart gifting lower estate costs for families?
Many Alabama families want to pass their homes, savings and property to the next generation. But they worry about costly legal delays and confusion that could take away what they worked for. Planning gifts while you are still alive can protect your family. It makes...
Key differences between wills and trusts: Which is right for you?
When preparing your estate plan, the legal process can be overwhelming and confusing. The terms "will" and "trust" are often confused, but this misunderstanding can lead to costly mistakes for your family. Understanding the difference between wills and trusts can help...
Avoiding probate: Strategies for a smoother estate transition
When someone dies, their estate doesn’t automatically transfer to their loved ones. In most cases, the estate must go through a court-supervised process known as probate before the assets are distributed to the beneficiaries. It’s a necessary safeguard to help ensure...

