You may view remarriage as an opportunity to begin a new and meaningful phase of your life, but if you have children from a prior relationship, you may also be concerned about your financial and legal responsibilities as they relate to your remarriage. Estate planning in this context requires careful attention because the estate planning structure that worked during your first marriage may no longer serve your goals. If your objective includes preserving assets for your children while also … [Read more...] about How Can I Protect My Child’s Inheritance If I Remarry?
How Estate Planning Can Help You Avoid Guardianship in North Dakota
Planning for the possibility of future incapacity can be uncomfortable, but doing so is essential to create a well-structured and comprehensive estate plan. As you grow older and/or encounter medical challenges, the likelihood of experiencing some degree of diminished cognitive or physical capacity increases. If you arrive at that point without appropriate legal preparation, your family may be forced to initiate court proceedings to obtain authority to act on your behalf. That process typically … [Read more...] about How Estate Planning Can Help You Avoid Guardianship in North Dakota
When Estate Planning Fails: Family Infighting and the $10 Billion Lakers Sale
The recent $10 billion sale of the Los Angeles Lakers provides a powerful cautionary tale about Estate Planning, family conflict, and business succession. Despite a sophisticated Trust designed to keep ownership in the Buss family, structural flaws and sibling rivalries ultimately dismantled Jerry Buss’s legacy. This case illustrates why even well-drafted Estate Plans can fail when they ignore real-world dynamics. Learn the critical lessons every family business owner should consider before it’s … [Read more...] about When Estate Planning Fails: Family Infighting and the $10 Billion Lakers Sale
Can an Executor Be Removed in North Dakota?
After the death of a family member, loved ones are often left to navigate grief while also confronting the administrative responsibilities that follow. For many families, this includes participation in the probate process. Probate exists to provide an orderly legal structure for collecting assets, resolving debts, and distributing property according to a Last Will and Testament or, when no Will exists, under state intestacy law. While probate is intended to promote transparency and … [Read more...] about Can an Executor Be Removed in North Dakota?
Trustee Selection: Why It Matters and How to Get It Right
Selecting a trustee is one of the most important—and most misunderstood—decisions in Estate Planning. While many individuals focus on who will receive their assets and how those assets will be distributed, far fewer consider the impact the Trustee will have on the management and distribution of those assets. This article explores why trustee selection matters, common pitfalls that lead to conflict and litigation, and how thoughtful planning can help preserve both family harmony and a lasting … [Read more...] about Trustee Selection: Why It Matters and How to Get It Right
Tax Planning for 2025 and Beyond
Planning is important for your income taxation during life as well as for any estate taxes at death. With year-end approaching, it is an ideal time to begin planning for the year ahead. As Benjamin Franklin said: “By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.” Read on to learn more. … [Read more...] about Tax Planning for 2025 and Beyond
The Seedier Side of the Holidays
Scammers will use any leverage possible to separate you from your money. This includes preying upon a grandparent’s love and concern for their grandchildren. The so-called grandparent scams are among the most popular scams targeting the elderly and rely upon details gleaned from social media sites to make the call seem realistic. It’s important to recognize the signs of potential scams and understand how to guard against them. Read on to learn more. … [Read more...] about The Seedier Side of the Holidays
Reflecting on National Estate Planning Awareness Week 2025
Each year, National Estate Planning Awareness Week (NEPAW) serves as an important reminder of the value of preparing for the future through thoughtful estate planning. In 2025, NEPAW was celebrated nationwide from October 20th through the 26th, highlighting the need for individuals and families to take proactive steps in protecting their legacies. Even though the week has passed, its message remains just as relevant. Many people continue to postpone creating or reviewing their estate plans … [Read more...] about Reflecting on National Estate Planning Awareness Week 2025
Balancing Efficiency and Excellence: The Perils of Boilerplate in a Busy Estate Planning Practice
The past few years have brought more people than ever to the world of Estate Planning. Whether prompted by global uncertainty, changes in tax law, or a desire for peace of mind, families and individuals are eager to put their affairs in order. At the same time, attorneys have worked tirelessly to meet that demand—often managing more clients and cases than ever before. With this increased volume, efficiency has become essential. But in the rush to serve everyone well, it’s important not to … [Read more...] about Balancing Efficiency and Excellence: The Perils of Boilerplate in a Busy Estate Planning Practice
Don’t Be a Turkey or a Ham- Take Advantage of Your Annual per Donee Exclusion Amount
The holidays are a great time to review the past year and make plans for the upcoming one. Part of those plans should be reviewing your Estate Plan and considering what, if any, steps you should take to help you achieve your goals. One of the easiest, but most overlooked, ways to do some quick planning is to take advantage of the annual per donee exclusion amount which can have a tremendous impact on reducing the estate without use of the applicable exclusion amount. Read on to learn … [Read more...] about Don’t Be a Turkey or a Ham- Take Advantage of Your Annual per Donee Exclusion Amount
