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Every year on February 1 , states observe National Unclaimed Property Day —a reminder that billions of dollars in forgotten assets are being held by governments, waiting for rightful owners. This day encourages you to reclaim money already yours and prevent future financial losses. What Is Unclaimed Property? Unclaimed property includes financial assets with no activity or contact for a set time , usually 1–5 years. These assets are turned over to the state in a process calle

Losing a loved one is hard enough, but learning that you can’t access their bank accounts or pay bills right away can make a painful time even more stressful. Many families are caught off guard when the legal authority they thought they had suddenly disappears. What Happens When Someone Dies Authority From Power of Attorney Ends at Death A Power of Attorney gives someone authority to act only while a person is alive . The moment someone dies: That authority ends. Financial in

You open the door to your parents’ home for the first time since the funeral. Closets stuffed with decades of clothes.Cabinets filled with china no one ever used.A garage packed with tools, decorations, and boxes labeled “miscellaneous.” Drawers overflowing with papers, keepsakes, and items whose meaning you’ll never fully understand. The task ahead feels impossible. This scene plays out in homes across America every day. With an estimated $90 trillion in assets transferring

Estate planning isn’t just about paperwork — it’s about safeguarding your family’s future, preserving privacy, and avoiding unnecessary legal complications. Whether you’re just starting or revisiting your plan, knowing the difference between a will  and a trust  — and how each works — is essential to making the best decision for your goals and loved ones. For a deeper look at comprehensive planning that goes beyond wills and trusts, see Estate Planning Overview — Tower Law Gr

You probably know you “should” have a will or a trust , but have you ever talked with your family about why your money exists in the first place?  A simple family mission statement, combined with a comprehensive estate plan can dramatically increase the odds that your wealth—and your relationships—stay intact for generations. You spend a lifetime working, saving, and building a life for the people you love. Yet research shows that: An estimated 70% of wealthy families lose th

The SECURE Act 2.0  brought some of the biggest changes to retirement planning in decades. While many people believe these updates only affect their own retirement—or aren’t aware of them at all—the reality is far more impactful. SECURE Act 2.0 directly affects how your loved ones will inherit your retirement accounts and how much they may lose to taxes after your death.  Without updated planning, these changes could significantly reduce the inheritance you worked so hard to

On November 27, nine days after being pulled unconscious from a house fire in a beachfront home in New London, Connecticut, Tony Hsieh , the former CEO of online shoe retailer Zappos , died due to complications from smoke inhalation. Hsieh was just 46 years old , single, and had no children. Although the cause of the fire remains under investigation, authorities ruled his death accidental . At the time of his passing, Hsieh was worth an estimated $840 million . Shockingly, de

Michael Duarte had everything to live for. At 39 years old, the popular food influencer was growing his brand, creating recipes for millions of followers, and raising his daughter Oakley with his wife, Jessica. Then, on November 8, 2025, his life ended suddenly during what should have been an ordinary trip to Texas. His death was unexpected — and devastating for his family emotionally and  financially. Within hours, a GoFundMe appeared asking for help to bring his body home a

Why Family Caregiving Often Brings Out the Worst in Siblings Caregiving responsibilities tend to fall unevenly among siblings. Old resentments, favoritism, and childhood dynamics often resurface. Stress, unclear expectations, and emotional pressure amplify conflict. Families are often shocked when long-buried issues reappear during caregiving. Your Children Are Watching — and Learning Children observe how their parents interact with siblings during eldercare. They internalize

We all know the holiday “White Elephant” game—the stealing, swapping, joking, and occasional grudge. But when the “gifts” are real assets like a classic car, a family cabin, or heirloom jewelry, and there are no rules, no referee, and no laughs afterward, the result isn’t fun—it’s conflict. Without a proper estate plan: No one knows who is supposed to get what Verbal promises hold no legal weight Hurt feelings, confusion, and resentment grow Family tensions — sometimes old on

The holidays bring family together—a perfect time for warmth, connection, and meaningful conversations. They’re also an occasion to address important, sometimes difficult topics that many people avoid: what happens when you die, how your loved ones will be cared for, and how to preserve your legacy. This season offers an opportunity to talk with intention and love. Below, you’ll learn how to shift your mindset, open heartfelt conversations, and turn your discussions into mean

It’s normal for one partner to be enthusiastic about estate planning while the other hesitates. Understanding the root causes of resistance can help you approach the conversation more thoughtfully. Common reasons for resistance: Fear of mortality.  Talking about illness or death can feel uncomfortable or unlucky. Perceived cost or complexity.  Some assume estate planning is overly expensive or only for the wealthy. Control or trust issues.  Concerns about losing control over

Each year on November 11, the nation pauses to honor the courage and sacrifice of those who’ve served in the Armed Forces. Beyond the ceremonies and flags, Veterans Day offers military families a meaningful opportunity to reflect on a vital question: Is your family truly protected if something happens to you? If you’ve served or are part of a military family, your planning needs go far beyond standard estate documents. From coordinating military benefits to preparing for depl

Many families focus on building wealth, but fewer think about keeping it. Studies show that most wealthy families lose their wealth by the second generation, and nearly 90% by the third. This happens not because of lack of love or effort, but because key planning elements are missing. Preserving wealth isn’t only about legal documents or investments—it’s about mindset, structure, and education. In this article, you’ll learn how to: Shift your mindset from inheritance to legac

You’ve built a life with someone you love — sharing a home, experiences, and finances — but without legal marriage, the law doesn’t automatically recognize your relationship. If something happens to you, your partner could be left without legal rights to your property, finances, or even medical decisions. This guide explains why unmarried couples face unique legal risks, how to protect each other, and how a Legacy Planning Session ensures your wishes are honored, no matter wh

October 20–26, 2025, is Estate Planning Awareness Week —a national observance encouraging Americans to consider what will happen to their loved ones and assets after they pass away. Estate planning isn’t just about creating documents like wills, trusts, or powers of attorney—it’s about love, protection, and peace of mind . Yet despite its importance, most Americans are unprepared. A 2024 survey revealed that only 32% of Americans have a will , a 6% decline from the prior year

When someone you love dies, grief hits hard enough. But imagine adding legal chaos, confusing paperwork, and no one to guide you through it all. That’s the reality for thousands of families every year who are left to navigate a messy and expensive process without support. In this article, you’ll read real stories of families who faced this struggle, the challenges they encountered, and why having the right lawyer as a trusted advisor can make all the difference for your loved

A standard initial consultation with an estate planning lawyer often looks like this: you meet briefly, answer questions about your...

If you’re like most people, you assume that when the time comes, someone—your spouse, children, or a close friend—will step in to care...

Grief isn’t scheduled. It appears in unexpected moments and in subtle ways that shift your entire being: Emotional fluctuations — You may...