When you turned 18, you legally became an adult. Then along came your 20s and 30s. Pretty soon, you’re already in your 40s or 50s, and you never stopped to make a will. Most people know they should have a will, but life gets busy, and...
Aretha Franklin has been in the news this week. She died last August without a will, and her estate of $80 million dollars has been tied up in probate court. It was announced several days ago that as some of her belongings were being moved...
With ample online resources for just about every project out there, a do-it-yourself approach can make life easier and more affordable. Whether you’re putting up new wallpaper or changing the oil in your truck, it’s easy to find a tutorial online. However, DIY estate planning is...
Every day, thousands of brave men and women serve our country in the various branches of the military. With over 40 years of experience, it is an honor for Phelps LaClair to assist current and former military personnel with their estate planning needs. While the military...
Discovering that you have been named in someone's will can be surprising. Whether you're a close family member or a distant relative, understanding your status as a beneficiary can help you prepare for the future. However, it's not always straightforward to determine whether you've been...
Will 2026 be the year that you finally put your estate plan together? Most people aren’t sure where to start, or what they need to do besides writing a will. But it’s important not to put off this very important task. Estate planning can help...
If you need special medical care, you make an appointment with a doctor who is trained in the field of medicine pertaining to your need. If you’re building a home, you want a contractor with a good track record, who does quality work. When it...
If you have set up a living trust or are considering one, you may need a pour-over will. This failsafe will protect any assets you neglected to add to your living trust. Whether you intentionally left some assets out, or simply forget about them, you...
Today’s blog post visits the past with a curious look at the earliest will in history, and a quick jaunt through some strange ideas for bequeathing estates to family members or friends. At our Phelps LaClair we’ve been helping families create successful estate plans for...
Not every inheritance is a welcome one. There are many reasons someone might want to refuse a bequest—a large amount could become a tax burden or disqualify them from government benefits. Or perhaps they feel that another person would appreciate it more, so they want...