Blog
Getting Married This Year? Estate Planning Tips for Newlyweds
“We thought estate planning was something for later in life,” one couple told us after finally creating their plan. “But now that it’s done, we can finally breathe easier knowing we’re both protected.” Newlyweds often overlook estate planning, but it’s one of the smartest things you can do to secure your future together. Here are […]
Estate Planning and Taxes: What You Should Know
One of the most common areas of confusion we hear from clients involves taxes. How do trusts, estates, and tax filings all fit together? Below, we break down some of the most frequently asked questions about revocable living trusts and estate taxes. Q: How does having a revocable living trust affect my taxes? A: A […]
Expecting a Baby This Year? Here’s What You Need to Know
If 2026 is the year you are adding a new baby to your family, congratulations! We know your to-do list to prepare for your new arrival is already long, but it is not complete without one very important thing that many people often miss: creating an estate plan. In fact, a survey by caring.com states […]
Don’t Add Your Child to Your Deed Before Reading This
We hear this question all the time at Linville Estate Law: “Can’t I just add my kids to the deed so the house passes to them automatically when I die?” On the surface, it sounds simple, and technically, yes, you can add your children to your home’s title. The idea is to make them co-owners […]
The Importance of Beneficiary Designations
Josh and Megan updated their estate plan the year their daughter was born. They created a trust, named guardians, and felt confident. But they forgot one thing: Josh’s life insurance beneficiary still listed his parents from when he first bought the policy. When Josh later passed, the funds bypassed the trust entirely, delaying care for […]
Can I Update My Estate Plan?
Life changes, and so should your estate plan. Maybe you’ve bought a new home, welcomed a grandchild, or changed your mind about how you want your assets distributed. Many people wonder, can I update my trust? The answer depends on the type of trust you have. Whether your trust is revocable or irrevocable determines how […]
Funding a Trust: What It Means and Why It Matters
One of the most common and dangerous mistakes that people make with estate planning is not funding their trust. Funding is the key step that brings your plan to life. Without it, your trust is essentially an empty container that can’t safeguard your assets. If you think about your trust like a backpack that holds […]
Moved to Tennessee? Here’s Why You Should Update Your Estate Plan
Did you know that 1 in 10 Americans no longer live in the state where they created their estate plan? If you’re one of them, it’s worth asking: Will my will or trust still work the way I intended? The short answer is that it’s a good idea to have your plan reviewed by an […]
3 Professionals You Need for a Comprehensive Financial Plan
A study from Bank of America Private Bank showed that the majority of the country’s wealthiest individuals have at least a financial advisor, and two-thirds of this population work with multiple advisors. In fact, 61% of respondents to the survey said they have a financial advisor or wealth manager, 55% said they have an attorney, […]
Top Reasons to Update Your Estate Plan
Most people think of estate planning as a “one and done” process. You set it up, tuck it away in a drawer, and never have to think about it again. But we all know that life doesn’t stand still, and neither should your estate plan. Your estate plan includes living documents that should change as […]