Articles
What Happens When You Die Without a Will in Washington, D.C.?
When you die without a will in Washington, D.C., your assets are distributed according to the District's intestate succession laws under D.C. Code Title 19, Chapter 3. These laws create a rigid formula based on your surviving family members: your spouse or registered...
What Is the 120-Hour Rule? Gene Hackman’s Estate Shows Why Survivorship Clauses Matter
The 120-hour rule is a legal provision that requires a beneficiary to survive the deceased by at least 120 hours (five days) to inherit under a will, trust, or state intestacy law. If the beneficiary dies within that window, they are treated as having predeceased the...
Privacy Trusts for DC, Maryland, and Virginia Professionals Relocating to Florida
If you work in government, hold a security clearance, or simply value keeping your personal affairs private, relocating from DC, Maryland, or Virginia to Florida presents a unique opportunity. Florida offers some of the strongest privacy protections in the country—but...
Estate Planning in the Digital Age: Email, Social Media, and Online Banking
In the digital age, estate planning has expanded beyond traditional assets such as real estate, investments, and personal belongings to include digital assets. These assets encompass everything from email and social media accounts to online banking and digital...
Incorporating Philanthropy into Your Estate Plan
Incorporating philanthropy into your estate plan is an impactful way to leave a legacy that reflects your values and supports causes that matter to you. For those interested in estate planning, integrating charitable giving can offer not only personal satisfaction but...
Estate Planning for Special Occasions: Weddings, Graduations, and More
Life is full of special occasions that mark milestones and transitions—events like weddings, graduations, and the birth of a child bring about joy and significant life changes. While these moments are celebrated for their emotional importance, they also signal an...
Estate Planning and Divorce: Navigating the Changes
Divorce is a significant life event that impacts various aspects of your financial and personal life, including your estate plan. For those interested in estate planning, understanding how to navigate the changes brought on by divorce is crucial for protecting assets,...
Financial Independence and Estate Planning: Aligning Your Goals
Estate planning is an essential part of achieving financial independence. While financial independence is often associated with the freedom to live life on your own terms without financial stress, estate planning ensures that your assets are protected and distributed...
Estate Planning and Marriage Equality: A Review
Several years have passed since significant changes in marriage equality laws expanded legal protections for same-sex couples. These changes not only recognized the fundamental rights of LGBTQ+ individuals to marry but also brought new considerations to the forefront...