Estate Planning

Explore comprehensive resources on estate planning, where you will find expert insights through video interviews with attorneys, in-depth articles on wills and trusts, and clear definitions of key legal terms. Our content is designed to guide individuals in preparing their estates, understanding probate processes, and making informed decisions about asset distribution. Whether you're seeking legal advice or just starting to navigate the complexities of estate planning, our platform offers valuable information to help you protect your legacy.

115 posts

Why Are Specialized Legal Services Key for High-Net-Worth Estates?

May 13, 2026 • By Guest Post

Specialized legal services are essential for high-net-worth estates because complex asset structures, multistate holdings, and significant tax exposure can trigger costly disputes or liabilities without tailored planning. Experienced counsel helps coordinate trusts, business interests, real estate, philanthropy, and compliance to preserve wealth and privacy across generations. This article explains when specialized estate attorneys are needed, […]

Estate Planning Homeownership

The Transfer-on-Death Deed – The Simplest Way to Skip Probate for Your Home

May 2, 2026 • By Jack Gilbert

A transfer-on-death deed lets you name beneficiaries so your home transfers automatically at death, avoiding probate in states that recognize it. You keep full ownership and control during life, and the deed can usually be revoked or changed anytime. This article explains how TOD deeds work, their pros/cons, and when to use one. What Is […]

Asset Protection Elder Law

Medicaid Look-Back Period – The 5-Year Rule That Protects Your Nursing Home Savings

May 2, 2026 • By Jack Gilbert

The Medicaid look-back period is 60 months (5 years) before you apply, during which asset transfers are reviewed. Gifts or below-market transfers can trigger a penalty period delaying nursing home Medicaid coverage. This article explains the 5-year rule, penalties, and planning steps to protect savings. What Is the Medicaid Look-Back Period? If you or a […]

Estate Planning Family Wealth Management

Probate Takes 9 to 18 Months – Here’s How to Skip It Entirely

May 2, 2026 • By Jack Gilbert

Probate typically takes 9 to 18 months to complete. Delays come from court timelines, creditor notice periods, and paperwork needed to validate the will and transfer assets. This article explains what probate is, why it takes so long, and proven ways to skip it entirely. What Is Probate and Why Does It Take So Long? […]

Blockchain Technology Cryptocurrency

Crypto in Your Estate – How to Pass Down a Wallet Without Losing It

May 2, 2026 • By Jack Gilbert

Crypto can be permanently lost if heirs don’t have the seed phrase/private key—there’s no bank “reset” option. A crypto estate plan should name fiduciaries and securely store access instructions so your executor can retrieve assets. This article explains practical and legal ways to pass down a wallet without compromising security. Why Crypto Inheritance Is Different […]

Estate Planning Family Law

The Spousal Elective Share – Why You Can’t Actually Leave Your Spouse $0

May 2, 2026 • By Jack Gilbert

In most states, a spouse can claim an elective share—often about one-third (and sometimes up to one-half) of the deceased spouse’s estate even if the will leaves them $0. The exact percentage and what assets count vary by state and whether probate/nonprobate property is included. This article explains elective share basics, common exceptions, and planning […]

Celebrity & Public Figure Rights Digital Technology & AI Law

The Right of Publicity – What It Protects After You Die

May 1, 2026 • By Jack Gilbert

In most U.S. states, the right of publicity can survive death and be enforced by your estate for decades—often 10 to 100 years, depending on the state. These postmortem rights can control (and monetize) the commercial use of a deceased person’s name, image, voice, and likeness, but the scope and duration vary widely and may […]

Blended Family Issues Estate Planning

Blended Family Estate Planning – The 3 Scenarios That Always Go to Court

May 1, 2026 • By Jack Gilbert

Most blended-family inheritance fights come from 3 recurring scenarios that regularly end up in probate court. They usually involve unclear beneficiary designations, conflicts between a surviving spouse and stepchildren, or outdated wills and trusts after remarriage. This article breaks down the 3 scenarios and the estate planning steps that prevent litigation. Why Blended Families Face […]

Artificial Intelligence Estate Planning

AI Wrote My Will. Here’s What the Probate Judge Said.

May 1, 2026 • By Jack Gilbert

An AI-drafted will can be rejected or partially invalidated in probate if it isn’t properly executed or its terms are unclear. Probate judges focus on statutory signing/witness rules and evidence of testamentary capacity and intent—not who typed the document. This article explains what the judge scrutinized, the most common AI-will pitfalls, and practical steps to […]

Cryptocurrency Digital Asset Security

Crypto Inheritance – The Exact Steps to Pass Down a Cold Wallet

May 1, 2026 • By Jack Gilbert

To pass down a cold wallet, heirs typically need 1) the device and 2) the seed phrase (12–24 words) plus any PIN/passphrase. Because blockchain assets bypass banks and courts without those credentials, you must document access and authority in an estate plan. This article outlines the exact legal and security steps to transfer a cold […]

Estate Planning Legal Rights & Inheritance

The Sealed Will Controversy – Who Can Legally Read It After You Die

May 1, 2026 • By Jack Gilbert

In most states, once a will is filed for probate it becomes a court record that anyone can typically access, even if it was “sealed” privately before death. Courts may seal a will only by judge’s order for specific legal reasons, limiting access to parties and counsel. This article explains who can read your will, […]

End-of-Life Planning Estate Planning

Funeral Arrangements – Why You Can’t Put Them in Your Will (and What to Do Instead)

May 1, 2026 • By Jack Gilbert

You generally can’t rely on a will to control funeral arrangements because it’s often read days or weeks after death—too late for decisions that must be made within 24–48 hours. Funeral directions in a will may be missed, delayed, or overridden by whoever has legal authority to act immediately. This article explains why wills aren’t […]

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