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Federal estate taxes are not a universal burden. They are only applicable if your combined assets, which include both gifts made during your lifetime and assets transferred at the time of your death, exceed a high threshold ($13.99 million, as of 2025). This means that most estates will not be subject to federal estate taxes.  State estate tax exemptions vary greatly.

Your estate plan should be updated regularly, particularly after major life events (e.g., marriage, divorce, birth of a child, death of a loved one), significant financial changes (e.g., increase or decrease in wealth, real estate transactions), or other notable shifts (e.g., moving states, changes in tax laws, health changes).

Amid past incidents of misconduct, it’s crucial to thoroughly vet funeral homes by checking licenses, reviewing morticians’ credentials, and visiting facilities in person.

A power of attorney (POA) is a legal document that allows an individual (known as the principal) to give another person (their agent or attorney-in-fact) the authority to act on their behalf. Though many people are familiar with the general concept of POAs, not everyone understands the different types of powers of attorney and how they work, especially with regard to durable powers of attorney.

Many families make the sometimes costly mistake of not filing an estate tax return when the first spouse dies, even when no taxes are due.

A growing number of Americans are working past traditional retirement age, often due to financial necessity but also for engagement and purpose. Working later in life has significant implications for financial planning, health care, and estate planning, requiring careful consideration of taxes, benefits, and legal documents.

A new pilot program will introduce prior authorizations for certain Original Medicare services in six states, effective January 2026.

Making the difficult decision to move a loved one into a care facility, as Bruce Willis’s family did, often becomes necessary when home care can no longer meet complex health or safety needs, or when caregiver burnout occurs.

The Social Security Administration’s move to phase out paper checks for benefits payments requires most recipients to switch to electronic payments by September 30, 2025.

Dying without a will (intestate) means state law dictates asset distribution, and the estate will likely go through probate, which can be time-consuming and costly.

Pet trusts ensure that your beloved companion animals are not left without care or abandoned after your death.

DNRs offer a balance of benefits, including patient autonomy and avoiding unnecessary suffering, as well as drawbacks, such as potential for undertreatment or misinterpretations by health care providers.

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), signed into law on July 4, 2025, significantly impacts estate and financial planning.

Careful consideration of tax implications, Medicare enrollment, and personal financial goals is essential when deciding whether to work while collecting Social Security.

Many Americans misunderstand Medicare and Medicaid's limited coverage for long-term care, often overestimating their reliance on these programs.

To help prevent fraud, these rules will require people who need to change their direct deposit information to prove their identity online through a multistep, multifactor verification process that will provide them with a one-time PIN code. If they are unable to do this, then they will have to go to an SSA office to prove their identity.

If you have money to give your children, you certainly can, but you should be aware that you may face consequences should you apply for Medicaid long-term care coverage within five years after each gift.

It is always a good time to think about creating or reviewing advance directives, including a power of attorney for health care and a living will. More than essential legal tools, these documents can help you shape the life you want to lead as you age. The planning and thought involved in making and maintaining advance directives can give you a sense of autonomy and peace as you navigate long-term care, manage chronic conditions, and coordinate your care with your loved ones.

To help ensure that your loved ones do not have to deal with the probate process, one option you have is to use a deed to transfer your home that becomes effective only after you, as the owner of the home, pass away. However, be aware that using these deeds for probate avoidance can potentially introduce new issues.

Social Security benefits recipients who receive overpayments after March 27, 2025, will have their entire monthly benefit withheld until the overpaid amount is fully recovered.

There are various types of wills, such as simple, pour-over, joint, and holographic, each serving different estate planning needs.

A comprehensive estate plan can help your loved ones avoid family fights by addressing potential issues before they become legal challenges.

Charitable remainder trusts (CRTs) allow donors to provide for themselves and their loved ones while supporting a charity, offering the opportunity to “test-drive” a charity before making a long-term commitment.

A lesser-known financial upside of Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRCs) is the potential tax deductibility of a portion of the entrance fee and monthly fees.

“Per stirpes” and “per capita” are terms used in estate planning that refer to the distribution method for the assets of a deceased person to their heirs. The distinction can significantly affect how assets are shared among family members. When deciding which distribution method to use, consider your family dynamics and the potential for any future disputes.