During the initial stages of estate planning, one of the early questions you may face could be deciding between a will or a trust. Each person’s situation is unique, and your specific facts will determine the best course of action for you. It’s essential to note that estate planning is for all estates, so even…
When celebrities disinherit their heirs, it creates some juicy gossip and clickbait. Making this decision for yourself, however, can feel heavy and overwhelming. There are many reasons why you may choose to disinherit a child or relative. Maybe your heir has become financially successful and no longer needs the money from your estate. Perhaps you…
In the past 2+ years of pandemic living, many of us got used to doing tasks for ourselves that we never would have considered before. Whether it was homeschooling your children, becoming a seasoned pro at baking sourdough, or giving your dog a haircut, closed businesses and difficult scheduling necessitated some new do-it-yourself hacks. For…
May is Mental Health Awareness Month and this year, more than ever, it is important to raise awareness and reduce stigma. Mental illness can affect anybody, at any time. Treating a mental health condition is rarely an easy task, and recovery is oftentimes not a straight line. For some, a mental health condition and/or substance…
There are numerous benefits to estate planning, but one that cannot be discounted is the peace of mind that comes with having an estate plan in place. Regardless of the size of your estate, it is inevitable to question what will happen with your hard earned assets should something unexpected happen to you. Questions like…
It’s a New Year, and for many people that means a time to regroup and reset. It’s a time to reflect on finances, health, habits and goals – and to visualize what you would like to accomplish in the upcoming year. Most common New Year’s goals include improving health, increasing exercise, and making better financial…
Estate planning is crucial to personal financial management, so it is astounding that a majority of Americans do not have an estate plan in place. Why do so many people avoid this important process in planning for their future? The impact of deciding to not create an estate plan can result in significant court and…
Evon M. Spangler, partner at Spangler & de Stefano, PLLP, is a business attorney in St. Paul, Minnesota. When I represent clients who are business owners in drafting their estate plan, they oftentimes need to work with a business attorney to ensure there is a succession plan for their business. One way to do this…
With rapid advancements in technology, more “every day” things are being managed online, or through apps on cell phones. Bills may be received by email, and paid securely online. Documents can be stored in secure clouds or “online vaults.” It is important to make sure your loved ones are aware of what digital assets you…
