Blog
Beneficiary Designations: Why Keeping Them Updated Matters
When it comes to estate planning, beneficiary designations are a critical yet often overlooked detail. These designations determine who will receive your assets—such as retirement accounts, life insurance policies, and bank accounts—upon your passing. Keeping them...
Your Legacy is More than Just the Money You Leave to Loved Ones
When we hear the word legacy, many of us think of money left to people and institutions that have come to mean the most to us over the course of our lives. But your legacy is much more than that. Legacy Estate Planning includes your memories, values, wisdom, family...
Think Twice Before Deciding to Serve as Trustee
If you have been asked to serve as a trustee, chances are you were initially flattered by the request. After all, it is quite an honor—a parent or loved one thinks highly enough of you to entrust you with managing a significant portion of their life's savings....
Curating Your Legacy: Estate Planning for Collectors
For those who have spent years curating a collection of art, antiques, or rare items, passing it on requires more than just a simple clause in a will. These collections often hold significant monetary value, but their true worth lies in the passion and personal...
End-of-Year Estate Planning Checklist
As the year draws to a close, it's the perfect time to review your estate plan and ensure it's aligned with your goals and the latest tax laws. Proactive steps now can help minimize tax liabilities, maximize gifting opportunities, and set the stage for a smooth...
Legal Documents College Students Shouldn’t Leave Home Without
Preparing your child to leave for college is both exciting and daunting. After paying the enrollment deposit, completing the dorm application, and buying that first official college sweatshirt, it may feel like everything is set. But there's one critical area that...
The Proper Planning Mix for Blended Families, Continued
In our previous blog, we discussed the general challenges of estate planning for blended families. Now, let's explore specific types of trusts that can help ensure your assets are distributed according to your wishes while protecting the financial well-being of your...
The Proper Planning Mix for Blended Families
Blended families bring joy, love, and a unique dynamic—but they can also present significant challenges when it comes to estate planning. Balancing the interests of a current spouse, mutual children, and children from a previous marriage requires careful planning to...
Duncan Legal, PC Update: How the 2025 Social Security Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) Impacts Your Estate Planning
In estate planning, it's vital to stay on top of financial changes that may influence your long-term plans. The Social Security Administration (SSA) recently announced the 2025 Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) that affects Social Security benefits and Supplemental...
Duncan Legal, PC: How to Cash in on Your Home (Without Moving Out!)
As the cost of living rises, many older Americans are finding that their retirement savings don't stretch as far as they once anticipated. If you're exploring ways to supplement your income without selling your home, a reverse mortgage could be a viable option. At...