Blog & Articles
As we gather around the Thanksgiving table, gratitude takes center stage. It’s a time to reflect on the people who have shaped our lives and the blessings we hold dear. But gratitude is more than words—it’s an action. One powerful way to express thankfulness is through estate planning. Estate planning allows you to leave a…
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Benjamin Franklin famously said, “In this world, nothing is certain except death and taxes” in a letter to Jean-Baptiste Le Roy in 1789. The quote was originally intended to refer to the newly ratified Constitution, but it is also relevant to explain the nexus between post-death trust and estate administration and the US taxation system.…
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When you think of Jay Leno, it’s probably his quick-witted humor on “The Tonight Show” that comes to mind, or perhaps his iconic classic car collection if you’re a car buff. Mostly likely his name does not conjure up thoughts about estate planning. But, earlier this year, Jay Leno’s legal woes shined a light on…
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In honor of October’s “Computer Learning Month,” Widlast Legal is spotlighting our MyCase client portal and its benefits, particularly for existing clients and clients who remain members of our Continuity Program. Think of MyCase as a secure, digital vault for maintaining all estate planning and any case documents, similar to a doctor’s office’s online medical…
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Planning for what happens after you’re gone isn’t something anyone looks forward to, but it’s one of the most important steps you can take to protect your loved ones and your legacy. A component of this planning is understanding estate taxes and the potential impact of upcoming elections on estate tax laws. As the November…
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Swedish Death Cleaning derives from a Scandinavian tradition called “döstädning” which combines practicality with sensitivity, helping you take control of your belongings and leave a lighter legacy for those after you. Literally, the Swedish word translates to “dö” (which means death) and “standing” (which means cleaning). At its core, it is a mindful decluttering practice…
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Estate planning is often associated with older generations, but it’s becoming increasingly relevant for younger adults in today’s digital and ever-changing world. For Millennials and Gen Z, estate planning is more than just creating a will—it’s about considering the complexities of digital assets, cryptocurrency, and non-traditional family structures. Here’s why planning ahead is crucial, even…
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In estate planning, designating beneficiaries for retirement accounts, life insurance policies, and Transfer on Death (TOD) accounts is a critical step that often gets overlooked. This simple action ensures that your assets are distributed according to your wishes, bypassing the complexities of probate and minimizing potential family disputes. At Widlast Legal, we emphasize the importance…
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When managing a trust, one of the key responsibilities of a trustee is to provide regular accounting to the beneficiaries. Trust accounting is essential for maintaining transparency and ensuring that all parties are informed about the financial activities within the trust. At Widlast Legal, we strive to make this process as clear and efficient as…
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A groundbreaking new blood test for Alzheimer’s disease could revolutionize your ability to plan ahead. The new test measures the level of a protein called “p-tau 217” and a biomarker known as the “amyloid 42/40 ratio” (which measures two types of amyloid proteins) both found in blood.. The p-tau 217 protein is a key marker…
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