Estate Planning

Many people decide to create a will after they have children or acquire valuable property, such as a home or an ownership interest in a business. Estate plans can also include trusts, advance directives and other documents. Testators may assume that they have adequate...

There may come a day when you’re unable to make decisions on your own, but that doesn’t mean that there won’t be some that have to be made. Taking the time now to determine who you want to be your medical proxy ensures that those decisions can be made for you.  In...

You may be concerned that incapacitation in the future will leave you unable to make some of your own decisions. Maybe you have a family history of strokes, for example, so you are worried that you could suffer a stroke in the future. This could leave you without the...

Estate planning is important for the future of your legacy. However, common pitfalls and mistakes when drafting an estate plan can create issues for your loved ones. Even one small issue can create headaches for your beneficiaries.   To protect your legacy and your...

Estate planning is an ideal vehicle for making future medical decisions to guide your care providers and family through a difficult time. Including advance healthcare directives allows you to express your treatment preferences and name someone to speak on your behalf...

As you write your will, you start thinking about how different beneficiaries may use the inheritance that you are leaving to them. You may have concerns about one beneficiary in particular because they are relatively young. Perhaps they are in college, just 18 or 19...

Most people who are going through a divorce know that there are many things that they have to do when their marriage ends. One thing they may not think about is revising their estate plan.  In Arkansas, portions of the will that involve the ex-spouse are automatically...

Disputes over wills arise when family members or beneficiaries disagree about the validity of a will. In Arkansas, like in other states, laws guide how to handle these disputes. Understanding the process can help prevent confusion and ensure that you distribute your...

Charitable giving plays a key role in estate and financial planning, but not all methods work the same way. Two common tools, charitable trusts and Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs), offer tax advantages and help support charities. However, they serve...

Blended families face unique challenges in estate planning. Partners often bring children from previous relationships, so it’s wise to create a plan that protects everyone’s interests. A good plan ensures fair treatment for biological children, stepchildren, and...