Author: Tim O'Brien

Estate Planning for Pets

How Can I Ensure My Pets Are Taken Care Of In My Estate Plan? Pets are more than just animals; they’re cherished members of the family. They bring joy, companionship, and unconditional love into our lives. As responsible pet owners, it’s only natural to want to ensure their well-being even after we’re no longer able […]

What Is Probate?

Probate is a term often heard in legal discussions, especially in the context of wills, estates, and inheritances. But what exactly does it entail? In simple terms, probate for decedent’s estates is a formal legal process that deals with a person’s will after they pass away. It confirms the will’s validity and appoints the executor […]

Living Will vs. Last Will?

In estate planning and healthcare decisions, confusion often arises between two legal documents with similar names – the Last Will and Testament (commonly known as a “Will”) and the Living Will. While both documents play crucial roles in different aspects of life, understanding the distinctions between them is essential for comprehensive planning. The Last Will […]

Can I have both a will and a trust?

When it comes to estate planning, many individuals often wonder whether they should have a will, a trust, or both. Both wills and trusts are important legal documents that serve different purposes in managing one’s assets and distributing them after death. However, it’s not uncommon for people to ask, “Can I have both a will […]

Difference Between Will and Trust

Planning for the future is a responsible step everyone should take, and part of that planning involves deciding how you’d like your assets distributed after you’re gone. Two of the most common tools for this purpose are wills and trusts. While both serve similar purposes, they have distinct differences. In this blog post, we’ll break […]

Must-Have Winter Documents

The holidays have (for the most part) wrapped up and winter break is about to come to a close. While all the parents are busy celebrating the kids going back to school, there is a crucial task to be done that is often overlooked: designating legal guardians for your minor children. Legal guardians are the […]

Understanding Estate Planning

Estate planning is an important process that involves more than just managing wealth; it encompasses decisions that impact an individual’s assets and liabilities both during their lifetime and after death. While many may associate estate planning with the wealthy, it is a valuable tool accessible to everyone. This comprehensive post, adapted from an Investopedia article […]

Do You Have a Succession Plan?

I enjoy working with small business owners. As a small business owner myself, I appreciate the responsibility that owners take on, whether it is to your family, your clients or customers, your team, and any partners you may work with. Many businesses are not sufficiently liquid to keep the company going and the owner’s family […]

Legal Changes at Age 18

You and your child have probably already discussed what they will do after high school: some have selected colleges or trade schools and some may be following a different path. Whatever path they land on, there are some important considerations once your child celebrates their 18th birthday. Your child’s transition from childhood to adulthood brings […]

Start Year-End Tax Planning 2

Last week we looked at four different ways to lower your tax liability for 2023, from adjusting your tax withholding to strategically planning your medical procedures. In this week’s blog, we discuss four more tax-saving methods you can use right now to owe fewer taxes come April 2024. If you missed part 1 of this […]