Today is National Step Family Day, a reminder that blended families face unique estate planning challenges. Without proper planning, families risk unintentional or even perceived or real intentional disinheritance, as state laws don’t often reflect modern family dynamics. The right plan helps protect your spouse, children, and stepchildren while ensuring your legacy is passed on with clarity and peace of mind.

On National Dog Day, it's the perfect time to ensure your beloved canine (or other pet) companion is included in your estate plan. This post highlights essential steps to protect your pet. Planning ahead guarantees your dog continues to receive the love and care they deserve, no matter what the future holds.

Celebrate this National Sons & Daughters Day by giving your children what matters most—a secure future. Avoid common estate planning missteps: not naming a guardian, leaving an inheritance vulnerable to divorce or poor decisions, overlooking special needs protections, or skipping incapacity planning. Plan now, protect always.

This post explains to parents how to safeguard their children’s future with smart planning. From naming guardians and emergency decision-makers to setting up trusts, minimizing taxes, and avoiding conflict, learn how updating your estate plan becomes an act of love that ensures peace, security, and clarity—always adaptable as life changes.

Slow summer schedules offer the perfect opportunity to focus on your family’s future. With loved ones top of mind, you can tackle estate planning—naming guardians, setting up a trust, or drawing up powers of attorney—before the year-end rush, avoid overcrowded attorney calendars, and gain the peace of mind to truly enjoy the season.

Think estate planning is only for the wealthy or retired? Think again. Whether you have kids, own a home, run a business, or simply care who handles decisions if you're unable—you need a plan. No millions, marriage, or advanced age required—just love for your people and sound planning that brings peace of mind.

Keep your loved ones secure and your mind clear. These four essential estate planning tips—updating beneficiary designations that override your will or trust, properly funding your trust to avoid probate, planning for incapacity as well as death, and openly communicating your wishes—help you stay a step ahead and prevent confusion when it matters most.