Why Naming a Guardian Matters No parent wants to imagine not being there for their children, but planning ahead is one of the most loving and responsible things you can do. If you don’t legally nominate a guardian for your minor children, a judge—who doesn’t know your family—will decide who raises them. That choice could be someone you never would …

Why Estate Planning Is Essential for New Parents Welcoming a new baby is a joyful milestone, but protecting your child goes beyond babyproofing and car seats. Estate planning for new parents ensures your child is cared for, your wishes are honored, and your family’s future is secure. Provide for Your Child’s Care One of the most important reasons for new …

Why Estate Planning Matters for Foster Children Welcoming a foster child into your home is a life-changing experience. Whether through the court system, an agency, or extended family, foster relationships often become deeply personal. Yet, the law may not recognize this bond when it comes to inheritance. Without a proper estate plan, state intestacy laws determine who inherits your assets—and …

The title of trustee implies that this position should be held by someone you find trustworthy, and for good reason. Serving as a trustee of a trust carries significant responsibility and duty not just to you as the trust’s creator but also to the beneficiaries who depend on accurate, faithful administration. While being named a trustee reflects a high level …

Receiving an inheritance, whether large or small, often comes with a wide range of emotions, from the grief of losing a loved one to the hope and excitement about the possibilities the inheritance may create. According to Northwestern Mutual’s 2025 Planning & Progress study, over half (57 percent) of Americans who expect to receive an inheritance view it as critical …

Estate planning often feels complex, leading many people to rely on assumptions that can have devastating consequences for their loved ones and their legacy. From who can make decisions for you to whether you need an estate plan, common myths can stand between you and a secure future. Let’s debunk these widespread misconceptions and reveal four essential truths about effective …

If you have been named the person responsible for settling a deceased loved one’s affairs, commonly called an executor or personal representative (if your loved one had no estate plan or had a will) or a successor trustee (if they had a trust), you may find yourself overwhelmed by grief and a growing list of responsibilities. As the person in …

Creating a will or a trust should be a priority for several important reasons, including the following: Handling Digital Accounts Almost everyone has at least one account or digital presence online. Think about all your photos stored in the cloud, as well as your emails, social media profiles, online shopping accounts, online payment platforms (e.g., Venmo or PayPal), and online …

The idea of one-size-fits-all no longer fits a world where people expect products and services to be tailored to their individual preferences. The estate planning world, long rooted in tradition, has relied on time-tested tools such as trusts to plan for what happens to a person’s money and property. However, a nontraditional variation known as a directed trust has gained …