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  • The Importance of Customized Estate Planning for LGBTQ+ Relationships – Part 1
    The Importance of Customized Estate Planning for LGBTQ+ Relationships – Part 1
    June is a time of celebration and reflection for the LGBTQ+ community as Pride Month shines a spotlight on the progress made in the fight for equal rights. While significant strides have been made, such as the legalization of same-gender marriage and increased recognition of LGBTQ+ families, there is still...
  • The Hidden Truth About Traditional Estate Planning
    The Hidden Truth About Traditional Estate Planning
    You’ve signed your estate planning documents, tucked them safely away, and checked “plan for the future” off your list. Maybe a lawyer prepared them. Maybe your financial advisor handled it. Or perhaps you used an online service—or even AI—to do it yourself. You think you’re all set… until the unthinkable...
  • The Hidden Truth About Settling a Loved One’s Estate
    The Hidden Truth About Settling a Loved One’s Estate
    When someone names you as their executor, it might feel like an honor – a sign that they trust you to handle their final affairs. However, what many people don't realize is that being an executor can turn into a demanding part-time (or full-time) job that lasts months or even...
  • The Evolving Legal Landscape for LGBTQIA+ Families
    The Evolving Legal Landscape for LGBTQIA+ Families
    While significant legal advancements have been made for LGBTQIA+ individuals and families, the legal landscape remains complex and varies by state. Marriage equality was a tremendous step forward, but it didn't solve all the legal challenges faced by the community. For example, in some states, legal recognition of non-biological parents...
  • The $1.5 Million Estate Planning Mistake You Can’t Afford to Make
    The $1.5 Million Estate Planning Mistake You Can’t Afford to Make
    Picture this: You and your spouse spend decades building a successful business, accumulating assets, and creating a stable life for your family. You think you've done everything right with your estate planning. Then tragedy strikes, and a simple paperwork error costs your children $1.5 million in taxes they never should...
  • Small Businesses Will Need to Report Under New Corporate Transparency Act
    Small Businesses Will Need to Report Under New Corporate Transparency Act
    If you're a small business owner, you've probably been enjoying the privacy and simplicity that owning a small company affords you. (I mean, who will really notice if you take a half-day on Friday or forget to have an annual shareholders' meeting?) Aside from the flexible vacation you get as...
  • Protect Your Life’s Work With Smart Succession Planning
    Protect Your Life’s Work With Smart Succession Planning
    You've built something special with your business. Whether it's a small family enterprise or a growing company, you've poured your heart, soul, and countless hours into making it successful. But have you thought about what happens when you're no longer there to run it? Many business owners put off succession...
  • Protect Your Brand: An Interview with Ian Williams of Deadstock Coffee
    Protect Your Brand: An Interview with Ian Williams of Deadstock Coffee
    Talking Branding with Deadstock Coffee: Consumers and entrepreneurs alike know that the marketplace is often flooded with hundreds of different brands, all trying to sell essentially the same products or services. For instance, there are over 700 coffee shops in just Portland, Oregon. So how do businesses set themselves apart...
  • Navigating End-of-Life Care: Lessons from a Daughter’s Tragic Experience
    Navigating End-of-Life Care: Lessons from a Daughter’s Tragic Experience
    In an aging society, you might face difficult end-of-life decisions for your loved ones sooner than expected. And when you do, you'll realize the journey through end-of-life care is rarely straightforward. A recent and heartbreaking story from Maggie Schneider Huston in Newsweek illustrates this. In this article, I'll highlight key insights from...
  • Matthew Perry’s Estate Plan Demonstrates the Benefits of Trusts
    Matthew Perry’s Estate Plan Demonstrates the Benefits of Trusts
    When Matthew Perry, the beloved star of Friends, passed away last year, the world mourned the loss of a comedic icon. However, as details of his estate began to emerge, a curious puzzle presented itself: despite his reported net worth of $120 million, his bank account held (only) $1.5 million....