Estate planning, elder law, family transitions, business planning – the legal issues that affect your family are always evolving. Jennifer writes regularly to keep you informed, educated, and empowered. Browse the latest articles below, or search by topic to find what you’re looking for.
When creating a trust, you face a critical decision: Do you want your beneficiaries to receive guaranteed checks, or do you want your trustee to decide when and if they get paid? The latter is called discretionary authority, and while it sounds strict, it's often the kindest way to protect your wealth and your family from unintended consequences. What Is...
You've found it. The home with the perfect kitchen, the right school district, and the backyard you've been dreaming of. The contract is signed, the inspection is scheduled, and you're already picking out paint colors. But before you head to the closing table, there's one critical step most homebuyers overlook: setting up your Living Trust before you take...
When you're planning for a child or grandchild with special needs, your goal isn't just leaving money behind—it's ensuring they enjoy a high quality of life while protecting their access to essential government benefits like Medicaid and SSI. A Special Needs Trust (SNT) is designed to provide for those extras that government programs don't cover, but how...
Losing a loved one is emotionally devastating. Unfortunately, for scammers, your grief is an opportunity. Bereavement scams are on the rise, with con artists using public obituaries to target widows, widowers, and executors. They rely on the fact that you're overwhelmed, grieving, and likely managing unfamiliar financial duties. Here's how to spot these...
When you decide it's time to get serious about your future, you might be surprised to learn that you need not one, but two professionals in your corner: an estate planning lawyer and a financial advisor. Many people assume these roles are interchangeable or that one professional can handle it all. Spoiler alert: they are two separate roles and here's why...
Estate plans are built around assumptions. The assumption that your spouse will be there. That your sibling will outlive you. That the person you named as your primary beneficiary fifteen years ago will still be alive to receive what you left them. Sometimes those assumptions don't hold. When a named heir predeceases you and your plan doesn't account for...
One of the most persistent myths in estate planning is that living trusts are reserved for the ultra-wealthy. The reality? If you own a home, have a retirement account, or want to keep your family out of court, you likely have enough to justify a trust. In fact, middle-class families often need a trust more than the wealthy because they can least afford...
Understanding the role elder law planning in Monticello plays in reducing stress during emergencies is more essential now than ever. Families often find themselves confused or overwhelmed by the rapid decisions required in emergencies concerning an elderly family member. That's why having a clear elder law plan can make a significant difference. Why does...
Most individuals are unfamiliar with the term "probate" until a loved one dies. At that point, they might be shocked to learn that they'll have to contact the local courts to begin the process of closing out their loved one's estate. This process can be daunting, especially if you're unfamiliar with probate law. It may also come as a surprise to family...
We often think of estate planning as something for traditional nuclear families, but in 2026, love and family look different for everyone. Relationships are complex, beautiful, and sometimes messy. The law, however, tends to be rigid. It has a default plan for you, but that default rarely accounts for modern relationships. Here's how to ensure your plan...
As a young adult with special needs approaches age 18, his or her parents will need to decide whether to pursue an Adult Guardianship with the courts for the right to manage the child’s personal, financial, and medical affairs. If a Guardianship is ultimately granted, the child will lose his or her personal autonomy and the ability to make...
It can be difficult to plan for the future, especially for a time when you’re not able to make certain decisions for yourself. The idea can be tough to swallow, even if you’ve experienced it with older relatives and know of the possibilities. However, planning ahead is the key to staying in control and making life as easy as possible for your loved ones in...