Ivy & Owl Law Blog

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He Sold His Company for $1.2 Billion. He Died Without an Estate Plan.

If something happened to you tomorrow, would the people you love know what to do? Would they have the legal authority to do it?

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Her Husband Died Without a Will. Then ICE Came to the Door.

You fall in love later in life. You marry. You start over.

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Anne Heche Died in 2022. Her Family Is Still Paying . . .

After you're gone, your family won't just be grieving. They'll be making phone calls, hunting down accounts, and navigating a legal process that no one told them about.

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Here’s What Can Happen to Blended Families When a Spouse Dies

If you are in a blended family, you may believe the simplest estate plan is the fairest one: "I'll leave everything to my spouse. They'll take care of my kids."

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Creating a Trust in Your Will vs. Creating a Living Trust: Part 2

Last week, we covered how it works when you create a trust through your will. This week, I'll show you how a trust created during your lifetime (called a revocable living trust)…

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Creating a Trust in Your Will vs. Creating a Living Trust: Part 1

You've probably heard that trusts help families avoid probate court and protect assets for the people you love. Maybe you've even talked to a lawyer who mentioned including a trust in your…

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Why Quick and Simple Estate Plan Reviews Don’t Exist

Why Quick and Simple Estate Plan Reviews Don't Exist

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Understanding Inheritance Taxes: What You and Your Beneficiaries Need to Know

When planning for your death, there’s one issue you may not have thought about, but is so important to your beneficiaries: will your loved ones have to pay taxes on what you…

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The Lady Bird Deed: 5 Risks to Consider Beyond Medicaid Protection

You own your home. Maybe it's your most significant asset. Perhaps you’ve heard about Lady Bird Deeds and how they can help you avoid probate and protect your home for your children.…

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Where Will You Live and How Will You Get and Pay For Care As You Age? A Legal and Practical Guide

If you're planning for your own future or helping aging parents, understanding options for living and long-term care isn't just about finding a nice place to live. It's about navigating a complex…