The death of a spouse brings significant personal and financial changes, including important tax considerations. One question surviving spouses face is how to file their federal income tax returns for the year of death. In many cases, a surviving spouse can file a joint return with the deceased spouse for…

According to a 2026 Worldmetrics report, there are between 14.5 and 15 million single-parent households in the United States. If your family falls into this category, it’s critical that your estate plan: Appoints a guardian. Your plan must designate a suitable, willing guardian to care for your children if the…

When a loved one passes away, settling his or her financial affairs can be an emotional and complex task. One legal process that often comes into play is probate. Understanding how probate works — and implementing strategies to minimize or avoid it — can help you protect your assets and…

Many parents assume an estate plan is only necessary for older adults or those with substantial wealth. However, once your child turns 18, he or she legally becomes an adult, and that change can create unexpected complications for your family. Without basic estate planning documents in place, you may be…

What’s the meaning of that estate planning term?  Estate planning can be overwhelming. One reason is that it has a language all its own. While you may be familiar with common terms such as “will” or “executor/personal representative,” you may not be as certain about others. This uncertainty can make it…

For many people, creating an estate plan falls into the category of important but not urgent. As a result, it can get postponed indefinitely. If you find yourself in this situation, understanding the reasons behind this procrastination can help you recognize and overcome the barriers that are preventing you from…

Many people think of estate planning as a “one-and-done” task — something you complete and file away. But an estate plan should evolve as your life and finances and relevant laws change. An outdated plan can create confusion, unintended tax consequences or outcomes that no longer reflect your wishes. The…

Owning assets with your adult child as “joint tenants with right of survivorship” may seem like a simple way to streamline your estate plan. However, doing so can carry important legal, tax and practical implications that deserve careful consideration. Positives and negatives There are upsides to owning an asset —…

Even if you’re single and have no children, having an estate plan helps ensure your final wishes are clearly documented and respected. Estate planning isn’t solely about passing assets on to direct descendants; it’s about taking control of your future. Without a formal estate plan, state laws will determine how…

Making sure your family will be able to locate your estate planning documents when needed is one of the most important parts of the estate planning process. Your carefully prepared will, trust or power of attorney will be useless if no one knows where to find it. When loved ones…