Author Archives: Jay Butchko
How Digital Assets Fit Into Your Estate Plan
The majority of folks who are picturing an estate plan think of tangible assets like a home, a bank account, or family heirlooms. But today, many of the things that we prize exist online. Email accounts, digital photos, and social media accounts are all examples of assets that we don’t necessarily think about. They… Read More »
Estate Planning for Blended Families: How to Avoid Common Pitfalls
Blended families are more common today than ever before, and as wonderful as this is, it also brings its own set of unique challenges when it comes to estate planning. If you are part of a blended family (you are remarried and have stepchildren or children with multiple partners), then a simple will just… Read More »
How Cognitive Decline Can Affect Estate Planning Validity and Why Planning Early Matters
Estate planning is more than just planning what happens to your property after you die. It is also ensuring that your wishes are carried out. Cognitive decline is one factor that could potentially compromise an estate plan, even if it is well-planned, as memory loss and a decline in mental capacity could potentially challenge… Read More »
Why Joint Ownership Can Undermine Your Estate Plan and What to Do Instead
It is a commonly held belief that putting a child or loved one on a bank account or property deed can be a straightforward way to avoid probate and make things simpler for loved ones. However, joint accounts can be very problematic and can undermine even the best-planned estate plans. It’s important to understand… Read More »