Protect Your Legacy. Provide for Your Family.

Most people benefit from having both. A will directs how your assets are distributed and names guardians for minor children, but it goes through probate. A revocable living trust avoids probate, keeps your estate private, and can simplify the administration process for your heirs. The right combination depends on your assets, family situation, and privacy concerns.

If you die intestate (without a will or trust), your state's laws determine how your assets are distributed — which may not match your wishes. Your estate will pass through probate, which is public, time-consuming, and costly. If you have minor children, the court will appoint a guardian without guidance from you. This is entirely avoidable with basic estate planning.

We recommend reviewing your estate plan at least every three to five years, or whenever you experience a significant life change — marriage, divorce, the birth or adoption of a child, the death of a beneficiary or trustee, a major change in assets, or a move to a different state. Changes in federal or state estate tax law can also necessitate updates.

Beneficiary designations on retirement accounts, life insurance policies, and other financial accounts override your will. If you named an ex-spouse as a beneficiary 20 years ago and never updated it, that ex-spouse may inherit — regardless of what your will says. We review all beneficiary designations as part of our estate planning process to ensure they are coordinated and current.