Memorial Day is often a time of reflection—on those we’ve lost, the values they stood for, and the memories they left behind. It can also be a gentle invitation to consider the legacy we’ll leave one day, not in a somber way, but in a deeply human and meaningful one. End-of-life planning doesn’t need to […]
Planning for Families
Supporting Senior Autonomy: Legal Tools That Make a Difference
As individuals age, maintaining autonomy becomes one of the most meaningful ways to preserve dignity and quality of life. This is especially true for those facing degenerative illnesses like Parkinson’s, where a slow progression can gradually affect both mobility and cognitive function. While there’s no way to predict exactly how a person’s health will evolve, […]
Estate Planning for the Aging Parent: What to Know Before Capacity Becomes a Concern
As our parents age, we often focus on the visible changes—mobility challenges, doctor appointments, medication schedules. But one of the most important areas that often goes overlooked is legal capacity. If your parent begins to show signs of cognitive decline, it can affect more than just daily routines—it can halt critical legal and financial decisions […]
Don’t Wait for a Crisis: What a Young Adult Emergency Plan Can Do for Your Family
When your child turns 18, a lot changes—but not just for them. For you, as a parent, it can be a surprising shift: legally, you’re no longer automatically entitled to make medical decisions, access their health records, or even get a call from the hospital in case of an emergency. If your child is heading […]
Senior Season of Life: 5 Planning Priorities for Aging with Dignity
As we step into the senior season of life, we’re given a powerful opportunity to shape our future with intention, grace, and peace of mind. While aging comes with its share of changes, thoughtful planning allows us to maintain control over our choices, protect our independence, and ease the burden on those we love. Whether […]
Mom’s Legacy: 3 Estate Planning Conversations to Honor Her This Mother’s Day
Mother’s Day is a time to pause, reflect, and appreciate the women who have shaped our lives with their love, guidance, and quiet strength. Whether your mom is still with you or you’re honoring her memory, this season offers a beautiful opportunity to consider the legacy she’s passed on—and how you can preserve and extend […]
New Conversations for a New Season: 3 Under-the-Radar Estate Topics to Raise with Clients
As we step into a new season, it’s the perfect time for professionals to refresh the conversations they’re having with clients about long-term planning. While the basics of estate planning remain timeless, the nuances shift — and sometimes those subtle shifts can have major consequences. Here are three under-the-radar estate planning topics worth raising with […]
Helping Clients Leave a Values-Based Legacy: From Philanthropy to Environmental Stewardship
When clients start thinking about the legacy they want to leave behind, it often goes far beyond finances and property. Many are looking to pass on something even more meaningful—their values. As professionals in estate planning, financial advising, elder care, or legacy coaching, we have a unique opportunity to help clients shape legacies that reflect […]
Estate Planning Isn’t Just for the Wealthy—It’s for the Wise
Why Planning Now Saves Your Loved Ones Stress—and How Even Simple Plans Create Meaningful Impact When people hear “estate planning,” they often imagine sprawling mansions, stock portfolios, or family fortunes passed down through generations. But the truth is, estate planning isn’t just for the ultra-wealthy—it’s for anyone who cares about their family, their values, and […]
Planning for a Greener Goodbye: How to Add Eco-Friendly Wishes to Your Estate Plan
If you live your life with a focus on sustainability, why not let that intention guide the way you leave it, too? Today, more people are looking for ways to align their end-of-life choices with their environmental values. From natural burials to biodegradable urns, the options for an eco-conscious farewell are growing—and your estate plan […]
Your Life, In a Letter: How to Write a Legacy Letter for the People You Love
When we think of legacy, we often think of the tangible: a home, a family business, a carefully prepared estate plan. But sometimes, the most meaningful gift we can leave behind is something far more personal—our words. A legacy letter—sometimes called an ethical will—is a heartfelt message written to your loved ones, sharing your values, […]
Is It Time for an Annual Planning Retreat?
Do you ever feel like you never have a moment to yourself? Or that even if you manage to carve out some personal time, you are not spending it as effectively as you could be? Our always-on culture may counterproductively (and counterintuitively) be holding us back from achievement. We can work hard and stay busy […]
Have a Harmonious Family that Does Not Fight? You Still Need an Estate Plan
In many families, everyone gets along, happily gathering for the holidays, sharing laughs, telling stories, and enjoying each other’s company. Then, the matriarch or patriarch dies. Suddenly, years of pent-up resentment and hurt feelings surface, and the once-happy family is now embroiled in litigation over the head of the family’s money and property. Having an […]
Preparing for High School Graduation: Estate Planning for Young Adults
High school graduation is an exciting milestone—a time of celebration, transition, and new beginnings. As families prepare their graduates for college, travel, or entering the workforce, one critical topic is often overlooked: estate planning. While young adults may not have substantial assets, they do have legal and medical rights that need protection. Why Estate Planning […]
The Role of a Caregiver in Estate Planning for Someone with Parkinson’s
Caring for a loved one with Parkinson’s disease is a profound responsibility, requiring not only emotional and physical support but also careful financial and legal planning. Estate planning plays a crucial role in ensuring that both the person with Parkinson’s and their caregivers are prepared for the future. As a caregiver, your involvement in the […]
5 Signs You Need an Estate Plan Now (Even If You Think You Don’t)
Many people assume estate planning is only for the wealthy or those approaching retirement. However, life has a way of throwing unexpected situations our way. Without a plan in place, your loved ones could face unnecessary stress, delays, and legal complications. If any of the following scenarios sound familiar, it’s time to take action—before it’s […]
What to Do If a Family Member Disagrees with Your Estate Plan – Managing Potential Disputes
Estate planning is one of the most important steps you can take to ensure your wishes are honored and your loved ones are cared for after you’re gone. However, even the most well-thought-out plans can sometimes lead to disagreements among family members. If you’re concerned about potential disputes over your estate plan, there are steps […]
New California Laws in 2025: What You Need to Know for Your Estate, Business, and Family
A new year always brings change, and 2025 is no exception. This year, California has enacted more laws affecting estate planning, taxes, business owners, and families than ever before. With so many updates, it can be overwhelming to keep up. But don’t worry—we’ve done the heavy lifting for you. Below are some key legal changes […]
How an Advanced Healthcare Directive Honors Your Voice and Your Wishes
How an Advanced Healthcare Directive Honors Your Voice and Your Wishes Life is unpredictable, and while we can’t foresee every challenge or emergency, we can make sure our voices are heard when it matters most. One of the best ways to ensure your wishes are honored is through an Advanced Healthcare Directive. This important document […]
How to Utilize Your Healthcare Directive in an Emergency: What Your Agents Should Know
When an emergency strikes, having a healthcare directive in place is one of the most important steps you can take to ensure your medical wishes are honored. A healthcare directive, also known as an advance healthcare directive, is a legal document that outlines your preferences for medical treatment if you’re unable to communicate or make […]