Around the Web: Did Diane Keaton Leave Millions to her Dog?
You may have seen headlines recently claiming that the late Diane Keaton left $5 million to her beloved dog, Reggie. The truth is that no details of her will have been made public. According to this estate-planning article discussing the rumor, the story appears to be speculation rather than confirmed fact. That said, the idea […]
AROUND THE WEB: Why Annual Reviews Matter Now More Than Ever
Estate planning isn’t something you set up once and never revisit. As this article by Arvest Bank from the Kansas City Business Journal suggests, life shifts constantly. Families grow and change, finances evolve, and tax laws update often, meaning the plan you made years ago may not reflect your current wishes or assets. Major life […]
How to Update Your Estate Plan After Major Life Events
Life rarely stays the same for long. Families grow, financial situations change, and personal relationships evolve. Because of this, an estate plan should never be viewed as a one-time task. It’s important to revisit and update your plan after major life events to ensure it still reflects your wishes and provides clear guidance for your […]
Executor’s Checklist: Navigating Probate in Georgia
Serving as the executor of an estate is both an honor and a significant responsibility. In Georgia, the probate process ensures that a deceased person’s estate is administered fairly and in accordance with their will—or, if no will exists, according to state law. If you’ve been named as an executor, you might be wondering where […]
AROUND THE WEB: The Truth About Taxes in Retirement
Many retirees assume their tax bill will shrink once they stop working, but that’s not always the case. As Good Morning Washington reports, financial experts are seeing that taxes in retirement often stay the same or even increase, especially once Medicare premiums and required minimum distributions (RMDs) come into play. Brandi Bridget of The Agency […]
Around the Web: Are Your Digital Assets Protected?
In this day and age, your legacy isn’t just what you leave behind in the physical sense anymore, it’s also in the cloud, on your phone, and across dozens of online platforms. According to this Forbes article, a recent survey from Bryn Mawr Trust revealed a startling disconnect: while the average American estimates their digital […]
Why a Durable Power of Attorney Is Essential for Every Adult
Life is full of unexpected twists and turns. While most of us prefer not to think about losing the ability to make decisions for ourselves, planning for the “what ifs” can protect both you and your loved ones. One of the most important legal tools to ensure your affairs are managed properly in such situations […]
Around the Web: Do I need to be Old and Rich to Create an Estate Plan?
One of the biggest misconceptions about estate planning is that it’s only for the wealthy or retired. The truth? If you’re over 18, you likely need at least a basic plan in place. Estate planning isn’t about how much you own. It’s about making sure the right people are empowered to act on your behalf […]
How to Plan Your Estate When You Have a Blended Family
Blended families are more common than ever. Whether through remarriage, stepchildren, or second marriages later in life, many families today look different than the traditional model. While these dynamics bring love and new opportunities, they can also create unique challenges when it comes to estate planning. At Rhodes Law Firm, we often work with clients […]
AROUND THE WEB: What the One Big Beautiful Bill Act Means for Your Estate Plan
The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) is now law and while much of the spotlight is on income tax changes, one quiet shift could have a major estate planning impact: the federal gift and estate tax exemption is now permanently set at $15 million, indexed for inflation. This sounds simple enough, but it carries […]