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

The Advance Healthcare Directive – The 15-Minute Document Everyone Should Sign

May 1, 2026 • By Jack Gilbert

An advance healthcare directive is a 15‑minute legal document that lets you choose who will make medical decisions for you and what care you want if you can’t speak for yourself. Without one, doctors may default to next‑of‑kin rules and your family could face delays or conflict during a crisis. This article explains what an […]

Estate Planning Family Law

How a Single Typo in a Will Invalidated a $12 Million Estate in 2026

May 1, 2026 • By Jack Gilbert

A single typo can invalidate an entire will and force a multimillion-dollar estate—like a reported $12 million case in 2026—into costly probate litigation. Even minor errors in names, beneficiaries, or key dispositive clauses can create fatal ambiguity and trigger challenges, delays, and unintended distributions under state law. This article explains how typos can void or […]

Estate Planning Inheritance & Wealth Transfer

Inheritance Tax vs. Estate Tax – The 17 States That Still Charge You

May 1, 2026 • By Jack Gilbert

Inheritance tax and estate tax are different—and only 17 states still impose one, the other, or both. Estate tax is paid by the estate before assets are distributed, while inheritance tax is paid by certain beneficiaries who receive property. This article explains the key differences, which states still tax inheritances or estates, who owes the […]

Estate Planning Family Wealth Management

The ‘Pour-Over’ Will Combo That Most Estate Lawyers Now Recommend

May 1, 2026 • By Jack Gilbert

Most estate lawyers now recommend pairing a revocable living trust with a “pour-over” will to ensure any assets left outside the trust still end up in it at death. This combo creates a clear backstop for missed accounts while streamlining distribution under your trust plan and keeping more details private than a will alone. This […]

Estate Planning Family & Relationships

How to Disinherit an Adult Child — Legally, in Every State

May 1, 2026 • By Jack Gilbert

In all 50 states, you can legally disinherit an adult child if your will (or trust) clearly states that intent. The safest approach is to name the child and explicitly leave them nothing to reduce “forgotten heir” and contest risks. This article covers state-by-state rules, required wording, and common pitfalls to avoid. What You Need […]

Elder Law & Senior Care Estate Planning

Power of Attorney – The One Clause That Prevents a Family Nightmare

May 1, 2026 • By Jack Gilbert

A durable power of attorney keeps authority in effect even after incapacity, preventing delays and family infighting. Without that durability clause, a POA can become useless when you need it most, forcing loved ones into costly court guardianship. This article explains how POAs work, the key clause to include, and how to choose the right […]

Estate Planning Family Law

Quitclaim Deeds – Why Grandma’s Well-Intentioned Signature Could Trigger Taxes

May 1, 2026 • By Jack Gilbert

A quitclaim deed can trigger federal gift tax reporting once the value transferred exceeds the annual exclusion ($19,000 per recipient in 2025). Because it gives no title warranties, it can also create future title and capital gains problems when the home is sold. This article explains how quitclaim deeds work, the tax risks, and safer […]

Estate Planning Family & Wealth Protection

The Difference Between a Will and a Trust — and Why Most People Pick Wrong

May 1, 2026 • By Jack Gilbert

A will controls who inherits after death and usually goes through probate, while a trust can transfer assets without probate and add privacy and control. Most people choose wrong by focusing only on cost instead of how their assets are titled and whether they want to avoid court. This article explains key differences, common mistakes, […]

Estate Planning Family & Dependents

Do I Need a Will? The Honest Answer Depends on These 4 Things

May 1, 2026 • By Jack Gilbert

Most adults should have a will, and 4 key factors determine how urgent it is. Without one, state intestacy laws decide who inherits and who manages your estate, often causing delays and disputes. This article explains those 4 factors and when to create or update a will. So, Do You Actually Need a Will? It’s […]

Divorce and Asset Protection Estate Planning

How to Protect Your Inheritance From Becoming Marital Property

May 1, 2026 • By Jack Gilbert

In most states, an inheritance stays separate property if it’s kept in your name and not mixed with marital funds. Once inherited money is commingled, retitled jointly, or used for shared expenses, it can be treated as marital property and subject to division in divorce. This article explains common ways inheritances become marital, and the […]

California Legislation Digital Legacy

What Happens to Your Social Media Account After You Die — The New California Rule

May 1, 2026 • By Jack Gilbert

In California, a new law lets you choose what happens to your social media accounts after death—either appoint a digital representative, direct deletion, or allow limited access to certain data. Without clear instructions, platforms’ default policies and privacy rules can block your family from accessing your accounts. This article explains California’s updated rule, how to […]

Civil Litigation Estate Planning

Why Timing Matters in Medicaid Applications

April 11, 2026 • By Guest Post

Florida Medicaid timing matters because the state applies a 5-year look-back for long-term care applications, and late transfers can trigger a penalty period. Applying early helps avoid coverage gaps and preserve assets for spouses and families. This article explains when to apply, common timing mistakes, and Florida-specific planning steps. Florida is home to one of […]

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