by Tawnya Gilreath

4 Tips for Avoiding a Will or Trust Contest

4 Tips for avoiding a Will or Trust Contest

A will or trust contest can derail your final wishes, rapidly deplete your estate, and tear your loved ones apart. But with proper planning, you can help your family avoid a potentially disastrous will or trust contest.  

If you are concerned about challenges to your estate plan, consider the following:

1. Do not attempt “do it yourself” solutions. If you are concerned about an heir contesting your estate plan, the last thing you want to do is attempt to write or update your will or trust on your own. Only an experienced estate planning attorney can help you put together and maintain an estate plan that will discourage lawsuits and ensure all legal formalities are followed.  Read More

by Tawnya Gilreath

Three Tips for Talking About Your Estate Plan During the Holidays

Estate and Business

The holidays are right around the corner, bringing the joyous season of gathering with family and loved ones into full swing. It is the time to slow down, get caught up with loved ones, and enjoy the family and experience quality time around the dinner table. It is also a great idea to take this opportunity to review your estate plan and talk about the topic with your loved ones.

Do Not Be Indifferent. While the entire topic of estate planning can be a touchy subject, covering your eyes about the issue is not good for you or your family. According to a Caring.com survey from 2017, as many as six in 10 Americans do not have an estate planning document put together –  like a will or a trust. This is particularly alarming when it is estimated that $30 trillion in wealth is set to transfer between baby boomers and their heirs in the next few years. Read More

by Tawnya Gilreath

Three Keys to Protecting Yourself from a Rogue Executor

Estate and Business

Unfortunately, sometimes a death in the family can bring out the worst in people. Inheritance theft is an underreported problem that can cost families dearly. To protect your inheritance, knowledge is key!, do a good job at documentation and get help. Read More

by Tawnya Gilreath

Five Considerations When Selecting a Guardian for Your Children

Estate and Business

There is no question that having children changes everything — and estate planning is no exception. If you and your spouse pass away or become legally incapacitated, and arrangements were never made in the event of such an emergency, your minor child or children will have to be placed with a new family. Not surprisingly, such a drastic change can be a disruptive process for minor children — even if they are placed with members of your family. If you choose a guardian for your child in your will or other estate plan documents this difficult time can go much more smoothly. Read More