"A sea of people" describes a large, dense, and often overwhelming crowd. Just as the ocean holds seahorses, clownfish, dolphins, and so much more, a sea of people is made up of many different individuals.

When it comes to estate planning, that sea is enormous. More than half of American adults (56%) don't have a basic estate plan. Many believe they aren't wealthy enough or are too young to need one. Walking on the beach this past weekend, it occurred to me that more education is needed.

Some people assume their assets will pass automatically and smoothly to a spouse, children, siblings, nieces, or nephews without any legal documents. In reality, if you die without a plan, state law decides who inherits, and the probate court oversees the process. Your wishes don't get a say.

If legal terms and tax implications leave you unsure where to start, push past that instinct. Estate planning can seem complex if you're unfamiliar with the law, but it doesn't have to feel that way. Schedule a discovery call with me, your Personal Family Lawyer, and you'll find the next step is as simple as a sea turtle gliding slowly and calmly through the sea.

Fall Check-Up: Who Are Your Beneficiaries?

As open enrollment season arrives, many of us are already reviewing our health coverage and benefits paperwork. It's the perfect time to check the beneficiaries on your life insurance, retirement accounts, and bank accounts, too. These designations generally pass directly to the named person, even if your will says something different. An outdated form naming an ex-spouse or a loved one who has passed away can send your assets somewhere you never intended. Take a few minutes this fall to review your forms, and if you're not sure how they fit with the rest of your estate plan, schedule a discovery call and we'll help you get everything aligned.