Estate Planning Information


Estate planning encompasses the growth, conservation, and transfer of an individual’s wealth through the creation and maintenance of an “estate plan.”  The purpose of estate planning is to develop a strategy that will maintain the financial security of individuals through their lifetime and facilitate the intended transfer of their property and assets at death, while taking into consideration the unique circumstances of the family and the potential costs of different methods.

All too often, we hear:

  • "I'm too young to do estate planning."
  • "All my property is titled in joint tenancy with my spouse so I don't need a will."
  • "Estate planning is only for the super-rich."
  • "Estate planning is too complicated and expensive."
  • "Doesn't the government provide for that?"
  • "We did our wills right after we got married 30 years ago and see no need for further planning."

If you seek advice and guidance with regard to your estate planning needs, please view our website and search for a the type of member that meets your needs.  As an alternative, you can search for an Accredited Estate Planner® (AEP®) or Estate Planning Law Specialist (EPLS) designation holder in your area on the National Association of Estate Planners & Councils website.

Featured Articles

The rise of legacy properties: Why families are investing in land they already own - ABC17NEWS

Estate planning is complex. But generational wealth compounds across ... BE PART OF THE CONVERSATION. ABC 17 News is committed to providing a forum for ...

Estate Tax Planning: Using Annual Gifts to Reduce Your Taxable Estate - IndexBox

Most estates will not be subject to estate taxes, but those with assets above the $15 million basic exclusion amount may need to plan ahead.

Ruedi: Why every household needs a financial backup plan - The Pantagraph

The business news you need. Get the latest local business news delivered FREE to your inbox weekly. Sign up! * I understand and agree that ...

My relationship with my sister has fallen apart but she's refusing to replace me as executor ...

It's called the elective share, and it's the one estate planning rule that can override the document you paid a lawyer to draft. ... news every Monday ...

Attorneys say no one can force you to be an executor — here's exactly how to step down from a will

"One of the biggest misconceptions I see is that being named as an executor is an obligation. It isn't," Jill Mastroianni, an estate planning attorney ...