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August is National Make-A-Will Month

8/21/2025

By Senior Associate Jeneva Vazquez - Updated 8/21/25

August is National Make-A-Will Month, and it’s the perfect reminder that one of the most important parts of planning for the future is taking control of what happens after you are gone.

If you don’t have a will establishing a plan for what happens after you die, the state has a plan for you. That plan is called the intestacy laws, and it may not look anything like what you would have chosen. When you create a will, you override those default rules and make your own decisions about what happens to your assets, your children, and your legacy.

Many people assume that if they pass away without a will, everything automatically goes to their spouse and children. However, depending on your family situation, how your assets are titled, and the laws in your state, the outcome could be very different and often more complicated.

When we meet with clients, we review their family structure and asset types, explain what the law says will happen if they have no plan, and compare that with what they actually want to happen. This analysis is different for every family, and it is often eye-opening.

What Does a Will Do?
A will lets you make intentional, informed choices:

Choose your executor: Instead of the court picking someone, you name the person you trust most to manage your estate.
Waive executor bond premiums: Potentially saving your estate and loved ones unnecessary expense.
Direct how and to whom your assets are distributed: Whether to family, friends, or charities.
Plan for minor children: Set up trusts or other mechanisms to ensure they are cared for financially, and name the guardian who will raise them. Without a will, these decisions are left to the courts, and access to funds for your children may be completely restricted.
Exclude specific individuals: If you wish, you can ensure certain people do not inherit from you.
Support causes you care about: Leave gifts to charitable organizations or other meaningful beneficiaries.

A will is essential, but sometimes not enough. While it is a powerful tool, a will does not keep your estate out of probate. In our planning conversations, we also discuss whether a trust could be a beneficial addition. Trusts can offer more privacy, efficiency, and control, depending on your situation. We explain the difference between a will and a trust, and help you determine what combination of tools makes sense for your needs.
Making a will is about more than just paperwork. It is about having a say in what happens to everything you have worked hard to achieve and protecting the people and causes you care about most. National Make-A-Will Month is the perfect opportunity to take that important step.

If you don’t have a will, or if it has been years since you last reviewed yours, now is the time to make sure your plan reflects your current life, family, and goals. Get started today by contacting our office to discuss the planning process.

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What Happens If You Can’t Be There for Your Child?

8/7/2025

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By Senior Associate Jeneva A. Vazquez

As summer winds down and the school year begins, parents are in full planning mode. Buying school supplies, setting up carpool schedules, finalizing after-school activities, there is no shortage of work to prepare for the coming year. You might also be sneaking in one last parents’ weekend away, or planning a trip without the kids before fall routine kicks in for the whole family.

In the middle of all that planning, it is easy to forget one very important question:

What happens to your child if something happens to you and you cannot be there?

Picture this: You are on your way to pick up your child from school and you are in a car accident. Maybe you are away for a quick weekend trip and your babysitter cannot reach you. If you are a single parent or if your partner is traveling, who steps in immediately? Does your child’s school or caregiver know who to call, and will that person have the legal authority to act for your child?

These are the moments most parents never want to think about, yet without a clear legal plan in place, your children could be temporarily placed in state custody or with someone you would not choose if given a choice. That risk increases if you leave your kids behind for a trip, because any delay in decision-making could leave them vulnerable.

How We Help Parents Protect Their Kids

Our Comprehensive Protection Plan for Minors closes these gaps and gives you peace of mind whenever you leave your kids in someone else’s care. Here is how we do it:

Temporary Standby Guardian Appointment
Legally appoint trusted adults who can step in as guardian right away if you are unavailable. This ensures your children are never placed in state custody, even temporarily, and is especially important if your long-term guardians live far away.

Emergency Response Plan for Schools and Caregivers
We prepare written instructions for babysitters, schools, and daycare providers so they know exactly what to do if an emergency arises. This prevents delays and ensures your children go directly into the care of the people you chose.

Emergency ID Cards
You receive wallet cards that alert first responders that you have minor children and list your standby guardians’ contact information. Similar to the Emergency Response Plan, this allows your guardians to be there for your kids without delay.

Power of Attorney for Minor Children
Give a trusted person temporary authority to make medical and legal decisions for your children if you are unavailable, preventing gaps in care for your children.

Exclusion of Guardians
Formally document and list anyone you would never want to care for your children.

Guidance for Guardians and Legacy Interview
We help you share your wishes, values, and traditions, so your child’s care reflects what matters most to you. You also have the opportunity to record a personal message for your kids that will last a lifetime.

Parents put so much energy into planning for school, sports, camps, and vacations, but the most important plan is the one that ensures your kids are always protected if the unexpected happens. This type of planning is especially important before any trip away from your children, even something as short as a weekend getaway.

We make the process of forethought for your children’s care simple and designed for busy families. With a plan in place, you can finally leave the house or hop on a plane without worries or “What If’s”, knowing your children are safe, supported, and will be cared for exactly the way you want. Contact us today to get started!

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August is National Make-A-Will Month

What Happens If You Can’t Be There for Your Child?

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