HWK’s blog focusing on estate matters
Whether you’re new to estate planning or looking to update your current strategies, our blog offers insights, practical advice, and the latest updates to help you make informed decisions. Explore topics ranging from wills and trusts to tax implications and asset protection, all designed to empower you, safeguard your loved ones’ future, and put you into an estate of mind.
Our blog content is not legal advice but rather general information. Please consult with our legal professionals for personalized advice.
Did you or a loved one make any of these five critical estate planning mistakes?
A new year is a great time to start fresh and implement positive changes that will enhance our lives. Many of us want to spend more time with friends and family, eat healthier, learn a new skill, or save money. Creating or reviewing your estate plan may not be the first New Year’s resolution that...
Changes to ABLE Accounts You Should Know
If you have a loved one with disabilities, you may be familiar with “ABLE” accounts, authorized by Congress in 2014 under the Achieving a Better Life Experience Act. ABLE accounts are tax-advantaged savings accounts–similar to 529 education savings plans–whose funds can be used to pay for certain...
Four Easy-to-Avoid Mistakes People Make at Tax Time
It’s that time of year again: TAX SEASON. No one enjoys doing their taxes, and that is likely why many of us leave this tedious task to the last…possible…moment. As Tax Day approaches, millions of Americans are likely scrambling to track down all of their important documents to meet the April 15...
How A Living Trust Helps Your Family
There are several parts to an estate plan, one of them being a living trust. Common factors that prompt someone to create a trust include privacy, tax planning, avoiding probate, and caring for family members with special needs. A living trust also lets you dictate how your assets will pass on to...
Saying “I Love You” With Your Estate Plan
While saying the words “I love you” is indeed romantic, you should know that putting together a well-crafted estate plan is a concrete way to care for your family in the long run. This is because doing so will help prevent your surviving family members from scrambling to figure out what to do next...
Estate Planning: Why Me, Why Now, and Is a Will Enough?
You have worked hard for years, have family members and friends you care about, and have approached a time in your life when “estate planning” sounds like something you should do, but you are not exactly sure why. You may feel that you are not wealthy enough or old enough to bother or care. Or you...
How Often Do You Update Your Estate Plan? More Often Than Your Resume?
A resume is a “snapshot” of your experience, skill set, and education which provides prospective employers insight into who you are and how you will perform. Imagine not updating that resume for 5, 10, or even 15 years. Would it accurately reflect your professional abilities? Would it do what you...
Your 5 Task Year-End Estate Planning To-Do List
2019 is fast approaching. As we all prepare for the holidays and a new year, it is important that we wrap up any loose strings. Before entering into the new year, here are some things that need to be on your end of year checklist: Make Sure Your Estate Planning is Up To Date Will or Trusts Now...
Does Your Family Know About Your Estate Plan?
A Guide for How Much to Share and With Whom Most people don’t feel comfortable talking about their finances and certainly not death planning unless they are sick. But, your estate plan, an important part of having your affairs in order, is a bit different. You might be wondering whether or not...