Zappos Founder’s Will Is Discovered: What Now?

This new development in the Hsieh estate saga presents two estate planning lessons: make sure your executor and loved ones know where your estate planning documents are located and have a successor executor in case your co-executor cannot act on your behalf.

An article from the Las Vegas Review-Journal, “Shocking twist: Tony Hsieh left a will after all, new filing says,” explains what we know so far.

Tony Hsieh founded Zappos, building the online shoe and clothing website into a unique and highly successful business. In 2009, Hsieh sold Zappos to Amazon for $1.2 billion, remaining as CEO until 2020.

After Hsieh died, his father acted to take over the administration of his estate. Many court filings stated that no will existed. However, lawyers who aren’t connected to the Hsieh family filed court papers with a will and an explanation of how it was found recently.

The new court papers included a will dated March 13, 2015, signed by Hsieh and several witnesses. The document had been given to Pir Muhammad, who subsequently developed Alzheimer’s disease and passed away. The will was found among Muhammad’s personal belongings.

The will says that only Muhammad had a copy of the original will. Hsieh was worried about someone tampering with his will and made a video as an additional layer of precaution. Hsieh’s letter also said no beneficiaries had been told about his plans, so that they wouldn’t know anything until after his passing. He said he wanted them to “experience the ‘WOW’ factor.”

The ‘WOW’ factor was a core value at Zappos, described as creating a memorable, delightful customer experience. While it was great for his customers, it wasn’t so great for his estate plan.

The newly discovered document named an attorney as co-executor with Muhammad and said that if either Muhammad or Armstrong failed to act, another attorney was the contingent executor. Muhammad had signed the will. However, the other two co-executors had not.

Many claims have been made against the estate by people who say they were doing business with Hsieh. Sadly, in his final years, court papers state his behavior was increasingly erratic. There were allegations of people taking advantage of him as his health deteriorated.

According to the family’s legal counsel, the family sought to locate a will. However, they were unsuccessful.

While Hsieh’s precaution was understandable, given the vast wealth, unfortunately, his decision not to tell anyone about the will’s existence has led his family to an equally large amount of legal trouble and stress.

The lessons apply at any level of wealth. Have an estate plan created with an estate planning attorney, share document details with more than one person and plan for the unexpected to protect your loved ones and your legacy.

Reference: Last Vegas Review-Journal (April 18, 2025) “Shocking twist: Tony Hsieh left a will after all, new filing says”

Can You Prevent a Will from Being Contested?

A 65-year-old woman wishes to have her estate organized by an executor, with the request that 90% of her assets be left to one of her grandchildren. She asks how she can be sure the executor will decide how to distribute her assets when the grandchild is 25 years old. To add a twist, there are several other grandchildren.

This situation, described in an article, “’ The situation is extreme’: I’m 65 and leaving my estate to only one grandchild. Can the others contest my will?” from MarketWatch, reveals the dangers of not understanding estate planning basics.

The executor has nothing to do with when or how to distribute assets to heirs. Their role is to follow the directions in the will, which should be expressed by the testator, or the person creating the will.

In cases like this, a will should be created by an experienced estate planning attorney. It should include the names of all individuals included in the distribution and those who should be excluded. An estate planning attorney may advise this person to create a trust, with a trustee to carry out their instructions, in addition to the will. The terms of the trust must be crystal clear, so that no one can challenge the trust, and the same applies to the will.

How to do this? While you can’t prevent someone from challenging a will, and an executor can’t take on the role of enforcer, an experienced estate planning attorney will know how to create an estate plan to withstand challenges.

First, make sure the will and trust are created when you are healthy, and of “sound mind and body.” Once someone starts displaying signs of dementia, it is easier to challenge a will or trust and claim the person wasn’t competent to make decisions. The trust and estate attorney will also know the law in your jurisdiction about creating and finalizing these documents. In some states, you only need one witness to finalize a will, while in others, you need two people. This is a minor detail. However, it can render an estate planning document invalid.

There is also a clause used in some states known as the in terrorem clause. Any beneficiary who contests the will automatically forfeits their right to inherit anything from the estate. This clause is used (where permitted) when a will challenge is expected. If this is allowed in your state, your estate planning attorney will know how to incorporate it into your will.

A common reason for wills and trusts to be deemed invalid might surprise you. People often neglect to put their final signature on a will or trust. A will could be entirely correct and well prepared. However, if it’s not signed, it’s not valid.

There are also trusts specifically created for individuals with disabilities, known as Special Needs Trusts. They are designed to benefit heirs who may not be able to manage an inheritance or who receive means-tested government benefits and may not own more than a certain amount of assets. Special Needs Trusts are also used by families who have a member with a substance abuse issue.

The best advice for this grandmother, who favors one grandchild, is to meet with an experienced estate planning attorney to discuss the situation candidly and outline her goals. She must make the decisions about how her estate is to be distributed and put them down on paper, so the executor can follow her directions.

Reference: MarketWatch (May 30, 2025) “’The situation is extreme’: I’m 65 and leaving my estate to only one grandchild. Can the others contest my will?”

A Guide for the Sandwich Generation to Balance Care and Legal Planning

For millions of Americans, the role of caregiver extends in both directions: raising children while supporting aging parents. Often in their 40s or 50s, these individuals are part of the “sandwich generation.” The balancing act is intense, demanding time, money and emotional energy. However, legal and estate planning is often overlooked—until a crisis forces action.

By planning, sandwich generation caregivers can avoid preventable stress, secure their family’s financial stability and ensure that everyone’s needs—from aging parents to growing children—are addressed with care and clarity.

The Dual Roles of Sandwich Caregivers

Caring for two generations brings conflicting priorities. One moment may involve attending a child’s school event: the next, driving a parent to a doctor’s appointment, or reviewing their insurance paperwork.

This dual role often affects careers, personal relationships and finances. According to national data, nearly 30% of sandwich caregivers financially support children and aging relatives. Even simple decisions—like accessing a parent’s health records or managing their bills—can become frustrating or even impossible when legal documents aren’t in place.

That’s why developing a legal plan supporting caregiving across both age groups is essential.

Planning for Aging Parents

If you’re caring for aging parents, confirm whether they have up-to-date legal documents. Essential items include:

A durable financial power of attorney
A healthcare power of attorney or proxy
A living will or advance directive
A last will and testament or living trust

These documents authorize you (or another trusted individual) to make decisions if your parent cannot do so. Without them, you may have to go through court proceedings to gain legal authority, adding time, cost and stress to an already difficult situation.

Encourage open conversations with your parents. What are their wishes for medical care? Do they have long-term care insurance? Do they want to stay in their home if their health declines? Discussing these questions now gives them control over their choices and gives you the confidence to carry them out.

Planning for Dependent Children

At the same time, parents must consider who would care for their children if something happened to them. This includes naming a guardian in a will, setting up trusts to manage inherited money and purchasing life insurance for financial support.

Trusts are especially useful for families with minor children, since they allow assets to be managed by a trusted adult until the child reaches a specified age. Without these plans, courts may decide who takes custody and how money is distributed. These are outcomes that might not reflect your wishes. It’s also important to update these documents as children grow or family dynamics change.

The Importance of Estate Planning for the Sandwich Generation

The pressure of caregiving can lead to burnout. Many sandwich generation caregivers put their own financial and health needs last. However, creating your own estate plan is just as important.

Establishing a will, power of attorney and healthcare directive with a qualified estate planning lawyer ensures that your family won’t have to guess about your wishes in a crisis. It also reduces the risk of family conflict and ensures that your loved ones are protected, no matter what happens.

Even small steps, like making a list of essential contacts and storing documents safely, can make a significant difference in an emergency. Contact our estate planning team to ensure that you and your family are cared for no matter what happens.

Key Takeaways

Legal planning is essential for caregivers: Powers of attorney and healthcare directives allow caregivers to assist aging parents legally.
Parents must prepare for their own children’s needs: Guardianship designations and trusts protect young children if the unexpected occurs.
Open conversations reduce uncertainty: Talking with parents and children about plans ensures that everyone is informed and prepared.
Caregivers should not neglect their own planning: Your estate documents are just as critical as those you manage for others.
Balance comes from preparation, not reaction: A proactive legal plan reduces stress and strengthens support for both generations.

References: National Alliance for Caregiving (November 2019) “BURNING THE CANDLE AT BOTH ENDS: SANDWICH GENERATION CAREGIVING IN THE U.S.” and Union Bank & Trust (July 27, 2022) “Journey looks at estate planning for the sandwich generation”

What are the Biggest Mistakes People Make with Estate Plans?

Ask any estate planning attorney for a horror story and step back as they come flooding out. Moms who leave millions to a veterinarian to care for a beloved cat or uncles who grabbed and kept a half-million-dollar insurance policy intended for a son are just a few examples.

When your estate plan isn’t properly prepared, many things can go wrong, according to a recent article from Kiplinger, “Wills Gone Wild: How to Avoid Estate Planning Disasters.” Assets can end up with the wrong people, or beloved children can be disinherited entirely. A bungled do-it-yourself will can lead to a distant cousin inheriting your entire estate, while a life-long partner ends up homeless and impoverished.

If you intend to protect those you love, you’ll need to sit down with an estate planning attorney and create a last will and testament and other estate planning documents. Without a will, you can be sure family discord will follow your passing.

Aretha Franklin provides one lesson on what happens when there’s no formal will. Not one but two handwritten or holographic wills were found in her home in Detroit after she died. One, dated 2010, was found in a locked cabinet, while the second was found under a couch cushion, dated 2014. There were four sons, and all disagreed about which one was valid. The matter went to court, with a judge ruling the 2014 will was valid. Not all states accept holographic wills and leaving more than one copy around the home doesn’t guarantee anything but a family fight and legal expenses.

Many people are testing online wills. However, the unintended consequences are very costly for loved ones. One father decided he would create a will without an estate planning attorney. When he died, instead of dividing his estate equally between three adult children, all his property and assets went to the children and the grandchildren. Each of his three children had children, so what he intended to be a simple three-way split ended up being divided into many small gifts.

Second and subsequent marriages can complicate estates. Estate planning attorneys all have stories about remarried people who want their estate to go to the new spouse but forget to take care of their children from the first marriage. When the second spouse inherits the entire estate, it’s easy enough to rewrite the will, and the deceased spouse’s kids are disinherited. A surviving spouse is under no legal obligation to maintain an old will or to give assets to stepchildren. Estate planning attorneys know how to use trusts and other strategies to protect the surviving spouse and the biological children.

Pets are often part of estate planning disasters. One attorney tells the tale of a client estranged from her only child, a daughter. She wanted to leave everything in her estate to her cats. However, something went very wrong, and her veterinarian inherited $3.5 million. In this case, the vet was an upstanding citizen and worked with an estate planning attorney to ensure any monies left after the death of the cats went to animal charities. However, there was no legal requirement for the vet to do so.

Elderly people are often preyed upon by their trusted caretakers. One horror story concerned two elderly men who lived together and shared a home care nurse. When one of the men was hospitalized, the caretaker and her husband came to the home and exploited the second man. The caregiver convinced the elderly man to make her a beneficiary of a $500,000 CD and joint owner of a lakefront vacation home.

When it comes to estate planning, the only way to avoid a nightmare legacy is to meet with an experienced estate planning attorney and have an estate plan created. Estate planning attorneys have seen more wild tales than you can imagine and can ensure that you don’t become one of them.

Reference: Kiplinger (Jan. 29, 2025) “Wills Gone Wild: How to Avoid Estate Planning Disasters”

Where Should I Keep My Will?

A will is only useful if it can be found after death. If misplaced, locked away without access, or accidentally destroyed, the probate court may proceed as if no will exists, distributing assets according to state law rather than the decedent’s wishes. Proper storage balances security and accessibility, ensuring that the document is protected but readily available when needed.

Best Places to Store a Will

With an Estate Planning Attorney

Many people choose to leave their will with the attorney who drafted it. Law firms typically store wills in fireproof safes, ensuring that the document is secure and intact. If the will’s validity is questioned, an attorney can verify its authenticity. However, this option is only effective if family members or the executor know which attorney holds the will.

In a Fireproof and Waterproof Safe at Home

A home safe provides security while allowing immediate family access when needed. It should be fireproof and waterproof and placed in a location known to the executor. If the safe requires a key or code, at least one trusted person should have access. Without access instructions, a locked safe can delay probate and require court intervention.

With the Probate Court (Where allowed)

Some states allow individuals to file their will with the local probate court for safekeeping. This ensures that the document is secure and legally recognized. However, this method requires updating the court file when revisions are made. If this step is overlooked, an outdated will may be used in probate.

Registered with The U.S. Will Registry

Registering your will with The U.S. Will Registry helps ensure your loved ones can locate it when needed. Even if you store a physical copy safely, family members may forget its location, misplace it, or accidentally discard it. By registering, you clearly record where your will is stored, preventing unnecessary stress and delays in settling your estate. The U.S. Will Registry also offers free online storage, giving you extra security and peace of mind.

Where Not to Store a Will

In a Bank Safe Deposit Box

While safe deposit boxes provide strong security, they can cause delays. Banks typically seal a box upon the owner’s death, preventing the executor from accessing the will without a court order. If choosing this option, the executor should be listed as a co-owner with access rights.

In an Unsecured Location

A will should not be stored in a desk drawer, filing cabinet, or with other household papers. These locations increase the risk of loss, accidental destruction, or intentional tampering. A digital copy is insufficient, as most states require the original, signed document for probate.

Ensuring the Will Can Be Found

Regardless of where the will is stored, the executor and at least one trusted person should know its location. Keeping instructions in a separate estate planning file and other critical documents ensures the will can be located and used immediately.

Key Takeaways

Proper storage prevents legal complications: The probate court may distribute assets according to state law if a will is lost or inaccessible.
An attorney’s office offers security and authentication: Keeping a will with an estate planning attorney protects it from loss and helps verify its validity.
A fireproof home safe balances security and access: A well-placed, fireproof safe ensures that the will is protected while remaining available to the executor.
Safe deposit boxes can cause probate delays: If an executor cannot access a safe deposit box, a court order may be required to retrieve the will.
Family members must know where the will is stored: Informing the executor and key family members of its location prevents confusion and unnecessary legal delays.

Reference: The U.S. Will Registry (Oct. 24, 2024) “Where to Store Your Will to Ensure its Security”

Millennials Need Estate Planning

One family jokes about their mother’s large blue binder, affectionately calling it “Mom’s Book of Life.” She has assembled physical copies of estate planning documents, including medical directives for next of kin, account information, passwords and a list of assets. Her adult children thought they were too young to deal with such matters, reports a recent article, “I’m Way Too Young For Estate Planning. Or Am I?” from The Wall Street Journal. On reflection, they realized they, too, needed an estate plan.

Someone as young as 18 could benefit from having an estate plan, and someone in their 30s definitely needs one. Once a young person becomes a legal adult, their parents no longer have any say in financial or health matters without properly prepared estate planning documents.

Everyone over 18 should have an advanced healthcare directive, sometimes called a healthcare proxy or healthcare power of attorney. This allows people of your choosing the ability to make decisions about your healthcare if you become incapacitated: too sick or severely injured and unable to communicate your wishes.

Adults of all ages also need a power of attorney. This document gives another person the legal authority to access and manage your finances in case of incapacity.

A will, also known as a last will and testament, is needed to direct how you want your assets to be distributed after death. Even if you don’t own a home or car, chances are you have some personal property and may want specific people to receive certain items. Creating a will and getting used to the concept of planning for the future is a good habit.

If you have an extensive online life, digital assets will also require some planning. An inventory of your digital assets, including email accounts, apps, social media, cryptocurrency, photos, videos, etc., should be created, so a digital executor can manage the accounts. Some platforms permit naming a legacy contact, while others require specific directions on what should be done with your content.

Student loans, 401(k)s from employers and other financial accounts should be inventoried. However, this information doesn’t go into the will. The will becomes a public document once submitted to the court for probate, so any specific account information should be kept in an inventory of assets and debts.

Creating an estate plan can open a conversation with older relatives and parents about their plans for end-of-life care, a difficult but important dialogue. Talking about their wishes before something happens will allow you or other relatives to know beforehand, rather than spending the rest of your life worrying about a decision made in an emergency situation.

Estate plans need to be changed as you go through your life. New partners or spouses may need to be added, or a deceased parent may need to be removed as an executor. Getting used to addressing these life matters is part of being a responsible and loving adult.

Reference: The Wall Street Journal (Oct. 18, 2024) “I’m Way Too Young For Estate Planning. Or Am I?”

Can an Invalid Will Be Challenged?

If you are looking for a reason to get your estate plan in order, the experience of a daughter faced with a long and expensive legal battle when an invalid will was filed should motivate you to contact an estate planning attorney today. This unsettling story, reported by KATU2, “Woman says invalid will drained her mom’s estate and exposed holes in OR probate process,” shows why wills need to be updated and shared with family members.

A woman’s mother died suddenly in her daughter’s apartment. A few months later, a will was filed and accepted by the probate court but not by the daughter. It took nearly five months for a judge to throw out the invalid will after it went into effect.

The will expressly disinherited the daughter, who was very close with her mother and knew her mother would never have disinherited her. Her attorney filed to contest the will in June 2023.

The witness and the notary on the will were identified and interviewed. Both said they never signed the documents. The witness and notary filed their statements with the court in July. A handwriting expert who testified that the two signatures had been forged was brought in.

The handwriting expert also determined the mother’s signature on the will was forged, finding it had been taken from a legitimate will created in 2018. Kristy was left a quarter of her mother’s estate in this will.

The judge set a court date for September. In the interim, thousands of dollars were charged fraudulently on the mother’s credit cards. Someone advertised and held an estate sale in August when generations of heirlooms were sold at a garage sale.

The court froze the entire estate in late August. The 2022 will was found invalid in early September, and the executor was removed. By this time, however, a lot of irreparable damage had been done.

The court validates a will during probate. However, something went wrong in this case. Having a will prepared with an estate planning attorney and discussing the process with the appropriate family members should take place. However, not every family takes these steps.

The court is not responsible for contacting the beneficiaries to ensure that they receive their inheritance, unless they file a will contest with the court. It is then up to the heirs to prove a will’s validity.

In this case, both the beneficiary of the invalid will and the attorney representing the executor of the invalid will have refused to speak with a KATU2 reporter. So far, no charges have been filed. The only sure thing is that the case is under investigation by the county sheriff.

Keeping a will current and maintaining open lines of communication between the family, the executor and the estate planning attorney helps to avoid this kind of situation.

Reference: KATU2 (Oct. 14, 2024) “Woman says invalid will drained her mom’s estate and exposed holes in OR probate process”

Increase in Estate Planning for Gen-Z

A recent study by Trust & Will highlighted that Gen Z is leading in setting up their estates and wills. Despite their young age, they are more curious and engaged in planning their financial futures than any other generation. Financial planner Jack Heintzelman from Boston Wealth Strategies notes, “They want to set themselves up for success and have flexibility in their lives, not just work until retirement.”

What Drives Their Early Planning?

Living through significant global events like 9/11, the 2008 financial crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic has influenced Gen Z’s mindset. These experiences have made them more pragmatic and forward-thinking. Their tech-savviness and access to vast amounts of information online also enable them to make informed financial decisions. They have witnessed economic instability and recognize the value of planning ahead.

How are Financial Advisors Responding?

Financial advisors are noticing this trend and adapting their strategies. In an article by Investment News, Paul Schatz of Heritage Capital mentions that younger clients are more approachable and agreeable regarding estate planning. Kelly Regan from Girard, a Univest Wealth Division, adds that the upcoming wealth transfer makes Gen Z a crucial demographic for advisors. Advisors are now focusing on educating and engaging Gen Z clients, offering tailored advice that resonates with their unique financial goals and values.

What Estate Planning Documents Do You Need?

Mandy Ritter, a senior wealth planning specialist at Captrust, emphasizes the importance of having key documents in place. These include a last will and testament, a financial durable power of attorney, a health care power of attorney, a living will and HIPAA authorization. These documents ensure that Gen Zers have control over their financial and medical decisions, even if they become incapacitated.

Digital Assets and Estate Planning

In today’s digital age, it’s essential to consider digital assets in estate planning. Advisors should ensure that clients have online accounts and digital presence plans. This includes providing executors with access to passwords and digital asset instructions. Managing digital legacies has become increasingly important as more of our lives and assets exist online.

Can Advisors Connect with Gen Z?

Advisors need to listen to their goals and visions to connect with Gen Z effectively. Jack Heintzelman advises,

“Don’t lead with products or solutions. Listen to what their goals are and how they feel about money. Meet them where they are, and they will take your advice seriously.”

Building trust and rapport with this generation requires understanding their unique perspectives and providing guidance that aligns with their values and long-term aspirations.

Ready to Secure Your Future?

Gen Z is setting an example by taking control of their financial futures early. If you want to ensure that your loved ones are protected, and your assets are managed according to your wishes, it’s time to start planning. Early estate planning can offer peace of mind and a sense of security, knowing you have a clear plan.

Key Takeaways

Early Financial Security: Gen Zers are securing their financial futures at a young age, ensuring stability and control.
Influence of Global Events: Exposure to significant events has made them more pragmatic and forward-thinking about financial planning.
Tech-Savvy Decisions: Their comfort with technology allows them to effectively access and utilize financial planning tools.
Entrepreneurial Spirit: Many Gen Zers are entrepreneurs, and estate planning helps protect their business interests.
Comprehensive Planning: Including digital assets in their estate plans ensures complete and organized future management.

References: Investment News (Jan. 5, 2024) “The younger, the better: Gen Zers are ready for estate planning” and Trust & Will “Millennials and Estate Planning: Trust & Will’s Annual Report [Updated 2024]”

How Your Estate Plan Addresses More than Money

Having a properly drafted and executed last will can help ensure that your wishes for asset distribution are followed, says an article from CNBC, “Writing your will is ‘not just a question about finances,’ expert says. Here’s why it’s a crucial task.”

People often think they don’t have enough assets to warrant creating a will, which is a big blunder. Without the right estate planning documents, loved ones will have to deal with additional difficulties during times of serious illness or death.

When no will exists, laws of “intestacy” take over. These state-specific laws determine who receives your assets, usually based on bloodlines or kinship.

Without a will, any minor children will be raised by whoever the court decides will be best to raise them. It won’t matter if you’ve always thought your cousin would be the best parent, if you died if the judge believes your uncle and aunt are the best choices. Your wishes won’t be heard.

If you don’t have an estate plan or haven’t revised your will in more than five years, it’s time to make an appointment with an estate planning attorney to prepare a will and other documents to protect your loved ones and your assets.

Part of having a complete estate plan includes ensuring that the people you’ve named as beneficiaries on bank and retirement accounts and life insurance policies are still the people you want to receive these assets. These accounts pass outside of your probate estate, so whatever your will says doesn’t matter for these accounts.

If you own a home or multiple properties, talk with your estate planning attorney about how to best structure ownership. It might be possible to place your home in a trust to remove it from your probate estate, or you may do better leaving it as is. The estate planning attorney will review your entire estate to determine your best option from an estate planning and tax perspective.

If there’s no will, a significant asset like a house is usually divided among heirs, depending on the state’s laws. This can get very complicated very fast.

Meet with an estate planning attorney to get the process started. It’s not as burdensome as you might think and will save your loved ones from additional stress and worry during times when their focus should be on celebrating your life and grieving your loss.

Reference: CNBC (May 8, 2024) “Writing your will is ‘not just a question about finances,’ expert says. Here’s why it’s a crucial task”

Stay-at-Home Parents Need an Estate Plan

Any family’s estate plan must address all aspects of life, planning for incapacity and death. It’s easy to overlook the Stay-at-Home Mom (SAHM) or dad. They don’t have paychecks, raises, reviews, or PTO. But, overlooking the importance of what the SAH parent does for the family is a big mistake, and this includes neglecting estate planning, according to a smart article from The News Enterprise: “Stay-at-home parents must be deliberate about estate plans.”

For one thing, life insurance needs to be in place for both spouses. It may be easy to define the amount of insurance for the spouse working outside of the home, but the SAH parent’s tasks also need to be insured.

How long will the children be at home needing care, and what would daycare or a caretaker cost? How much would it cost to hire someone to cook, clean, do laundry, and run the household?

If children are home-schooled, how will the SAH parent be replaced? Will the children start attending public school, or is private school more aligned with the family’s values?

It’s easy to think the working parent will slide into these tasks, but unrealistic, as any single working parent will tell you. The children will be dealing with grief and emotional upheavals—adding a stressed parent to the mix who is also dealing with grief will make for a terrible situation.

In addition to having the right amount of life insurance, estate planning documents should be prepared with an eye on this possibility. The last will and testament is used to name a guardian for minor children, who will be responsible for raising the children if both parents are unable to care for them because of death or incapacity. A revocable trust should be considered, and a trustee should be appointed to ensure the funds are available for the children’s care and education.

The revocable trust can also ensure the children are not disinherited if the surviving spouse remarries.

This plan needs the review and guidance of an experienced estate planning attorney to ensure the will is correctly created to protect the children and set up any needed trusts.

Stay-at-home parents are often the glue keeping the family running. Replacing them isn’t possible—but preparing for life’s ups and downs will help the family adjust to any major changes.

Reference: The News Enterprise (May 25, 2024) “Stay-at-home parents must be deliberate about estate plans”

Estate Planning Blog Articles

Estate & Business Planning Law Firm Serving the Providence & Cranston, RI Areas

The Dual Roles of Sandwich Caregivers

Planning for Aging Parents

Planning for Dependent Children

The Importance of Estate Planning for the Sandwich Generation

Key Takeaways

Best Places to Store a Will

With an Estate Planning Attorney

In a Fireproof and Waterproof Safe at Home

With the Probate Court (Where allowed)

Registered with The U.S. Will Registry

Where Not to Store a Will

In a Bank Safe Deposit Box

In an Unsecured Location

Ensuring the Will Can Be Found

Key Takeaways

What Drives Their Early Planning?

How are Financial Advisors Responding?

What Estate Planning Documents Do You Need?

Digital Assets and Estate Planning

Can Advisors Connect with Gen Z?

Ready to Secure Your Future?

Key Takeaways

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