by Susan Grissom | May 5, 2026 | Estate Planning
One of the most overlooked aspects of estate planning is the risk of conflict after you are gone. Even good families can face disagreements when expectations are unclear or emotions run high. Without proper planning, disputes can lead to will contests, trust...
by Susan Grissom | Apr 28, 2026 | Estate Planning, Wills & Trust
A personal property memorandum is a simple but powerful estate planning tool that allows you to explain who should receive certain personal belongings after your passing. Instead of rewriting your will every time you want to change who receives a specific item, a...
by Susan Grissom | Apr 21, 2026 | Estate Planning, Wills & Trust
The Rule Against Perpetuities is a long standing legal rule designed to prevent property and assets from being tied up in trusts or ownership arrangements forever. In simple terms, it limits how long a person can control what happens to their property after they die....
by Susan Grissom | Apr 14, 2026 | Estate Planning, Wills & Trust
Updating your will is one of the most important steps you can take to ensure your wishes are honored as your values, options, and the world around you continue to change. As society evolves, so do the choices available for how we live, plan, and even how we are laid...
by Susan Grissom | Apr 7, 2026 | Estate Planning
Planning for incapacity is an important part of a well designed estate plan. It ensures that if you become unable to manage your personal, financial, or medical affairs, the individuals you trust can step in and act on your behalf without delay or court intervention....
by Susan Grissom | Mar 31, 2026 | Estate Planning
You might not realize it, but a trust does not have to stay the same forever. As life changes, your plans may need to change too. Families grow, laws evolve, and financial goals shift over time. That is where trust decanting can be helpful. Decanting a trust simply...
by Susan Grissom | Mar 24, 2026 | Estate Planning
When planning your financial legacy, understanding tax terms can make a real difference. One important concept that often comes up is “step up in cost basis.” But what does that mean, and why should you care? When someone inherits an asset, such as a home, stocks, or...
by Susan Grissom | Mar 17, 2026 | Business, Estate Planning
A 1031 exchange, also known as a like kind exchange under Section 1031 of the Internal Revenue Code, allows real estate investors to defer paying capital gains taxes when they sell an investment or business property and reinvest the proceeds into another qualifying...
by Susan Grissom | Mar 10, 2026 | Estate Planning
Estate planning often comes down to one important choice: proactive planning or reactive protection. Proactive planning means taking steps now, while you are still able, to decide who will handle your affairs if something unexpected happens. In proactive planning, a...
by Susan Grissom | Mar 3, 2026 | Estate Planning
Since January 1, 2026, important changes to 401(k) catch-up contributions have taken effect under the SECURE 2.0 Act and new IRS regulations, impacting how older workers save for retirement. Catch-up contributions allow individuals age 50 and older to contribute more...
