Archive for the Blog Category

Going to probate court for the first time feels a bit like stepping into a new city without GPS. There are forms. Judges. Rules you didn’t know existed. And you’re probably doing all this while grieving someone you love. Not exactly the easiest combo. At the Estate Planning Law Center, we help people like you make sense of the probate process—and just as importantly, we help families avoid it altogether next time through smart, trust-based planning. Whether you’re in it now, preparing for it, or hoping to never go through it again, this is your starting point. Probate 101: What It Is and Why It Happens Probate is the court-supervised process of settling someone’s estate after they pass. It involves validating the will, paying off debts, distributing assets, and closing out accounts. Sounds simple enough—until it’s not. Probate can take months (or longer), cost thousands in fees, and make personal

When Pope Francis passed away on April 21, 2025, the world paused to honor his legacy of faith, humility, and service. But amid the global tributes, one deeply personal decision stood out: his handwritten will. In just a few brief lines, Pope Francis made a single, powerful request—he asked to be buried quietly at the Papal Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome. No papal fanfare. No mention of his title. Just a simple grave with one word: Franciscus. At The Estate Planning Law Center, we talk a lot about control, clarity, and peace of mind. And this is exactly why. Because estate planning isn’t just about documents. It’s about making sure your voice is heard—right to the very end. One Page. One Powerful Message. Pope Francis didn’t use his will to list property or delegate wealth. He used it to speak from the heart. To ensure that his final

When actor Gene Hackman passed away in February 2025 at age 95, he left behind an unforgettable legacy in film—and an estate planning disaster that no one saw coming. Despite decades of success and ample resources, his plan was outdated, incomplete, and ultimately, ineffective. At The Estate Planning Law Center, we often say estate planning isn’t about how much money you have—it’s about protecting the people you love and ensuring your wishes are honored. Hackman’s story is a real-time reminder of what can happen when that plan isn’t built to last. What Went Wrong? Hackman updated his will back in 2005, naming his wife Betsy Arakawa as the sole heir to his $80 million estate. Tragically, Betsy passed away just one week before Gene—and that’s where the cracks in his plan showed. He had no alternate beneficiaries listed. No contingency. No backup. So now? His estate is in limbo. His

Every season of change brings new possibilities—and potential risks to your estate plan. From estate tax thresholds to capital gains laws and asset protection strategies, political shifts can impact how well your current plan protects you and your loved ones. We’re not about panic—we’re about preparation. Whether you’re just beginning or have an existing trust and will in place, now is the perfect time to review your documents, strategies, and financial structure to ensure they’re still working for you. Not sure where to begin? Take our quick four question survey to see where you stand.