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.
How to Own Your Real Estate
Real estate encompasses not only one’s primary residence but also other real estate such as a vacation home or a rental property. The ideal form of ownership varies depending on the type of real estate you own. Below, we take a look at the different types of real estate and offer advice about the...
Thirteen Estate Planning Terms You Need to Know
Estate planning—it is an incredibly important tool, not just for the uber wealthy or those thinking about retirement. On the contrary, estate planning is something every adult should do. Estate planning can help you accomplish any number of goals, including appointing guardians for minor children,...
Your Time Is Valuable. Get a Jump Start on the Estate Planning Process
Time seems to be the one thing we just can’t get enough of. This is especially true if you are one of our doctors, nurses or frontline healthcare workers. You work tirelessly caring for others and may not have a lot of free time to work on your estate planning. If you are able to answer the...
Who’s On Your Team?
Estate planning is not just about what happens to your stuff when you die. It is about coordinating all aspects of your life so (i) you can be taken care of during times when you are unable to care for yourself, and (ii) your money and property are distributed to the individuals you have selected...
Kids Going Away To College? Why You Should Include Estate Planning in the Preparation
You may have been running around for weeks, getting your new college student off to school. It's exhilarating, and your heart likely is bursting at the seams. You're probably prouder than words can express, but you’re also a little afraid, too. How can you make sure your child is going to be safe...
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...