Posts in Estate Planning
Gene Hackman’s Estate Mess: A Hollywood-Sized Reminder to Get Your Plan Together

Gene Hackman’s $80 million estate? Yep, stuck in legal limbo—because his wife passed just days before he did. It’s a high-profile reminder of what happens when estate plans aren’t designed to handle life’s unexpected timing.

Think it couldn’t happen to your family? Think again. Let’s make sure your legacy actually lands where you want it.

Read more and plan smarter.

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Trust Me: If You’re Not Reviewing Your Trust, You’re Risking a Hot Mess

A lot of folks think once they've got a trust, they're good to go—file it, forget it, done. But let me give it to you straight: a “set-it-and-forget-it” estate plan is a recipe for disaster. Just like you wouldn’t skip your annual physical (or at least not proudly admit it), your trust needs regular check-ins to make sure it’ll actually work when your loved ones need it most.

Life changes. Laws change. You change. If your trust hasn’t kept up, it might flop when it matters most—and that’s not the legacy you want to leave behind.

Read more and make sure your plan isn’t collecting dust while collecting risks.

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No Rings, No Problem? Not Quite—Why Unmarried Couples Need a Rock-Solid Estate Plan to Protect Their People and Their Stuff

No marriage license? No problem—except when it is. Unmarried couples don’t get the automatic legal perks that married folks do, which means without the right estate plan, your partner could be left out in the cold (and your kids could get caught in the middle). Let’s fix that. Learn how to lock down your assets and protect your people. Read more.

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Vacation Ready? Make Sure Your Kids Are Legally Protected

Spring Break is around the corner, and summer’s not far behind—hello, family vacations! But while you're busy packing swimsuits and sunscreen, have you thought about who would step in if something happened to you while traveling?

Yeah, I know—it’s not the fun part of trip planning, but it’s way more important than picking the perfect Airbnb. Let’s talk about how to make sure your kids are protected, no matter where life (or your travels) take you. Read more.

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Estate Planning for Same-Sex Couples: Keeping the Law (and Your Legacy) on Your Side

Let’s talk real talk, folks. With all the uncertainty around federal marriage protections, many same-sex couples are wondering—what happens if laws change? The truth is, while policies may shift, a solid estate plan ensures your family stays protected no matter what.

From securing parental rights to making sure your assets land where you want them (not where the courts decide), estate planning is your legal safety net. Because your love is valid—and your rights should be, too.

Read more and let’s lock in those protections.

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Divorce & Estate Planning: What Shannen Doherty’s Story Can Teach Us

Shannen Doherty’s passing last year was a heartbreaking reminder that timing is everything when it comes to estate planning—especially during a divorce. Her last-minute split didn’t just close a chapter; it likely saved her estate millions and spared her loved ones from years of messy courtroom drama.

Thinking, "That won’t happen to me?" Think again. Let’s talk about why updating your estate plan during major life changes isn’t just smart—it’s essential. Read more and protect what matters most.

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The Hidden Headaches of Being an Estate Executor

Sure, being named as an executor sounds like an honor—until you realize it comes with a to-do list longer than a CVS receipt. Managing finances, handling court paperwork, keeping family drama in check? Yep, all on you. And let’s not forget the potential legal headaches if things go sideways.

Before you say yes to the role (or if you already have and are now wondering what did I just sign up for?!), let’s talk about what being an executor really means. Because trust me, it’s more than just handing out inheritances.

Read more and learn what you’re really in for.

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The Valentine’s Gift That Truly Matters—Peace of Mind

Roses wilt. Chocolates disappear. But peace of mind? That’s forever.

This Valentine’s Day, skip the cliché gifts and give something truly meaningful—an estate plan that says, “I’ve got you.”

Protect your loved ones from court, conflict, and confusion.
Ensure your kids, assets, and wishes are covered—no guesswork, no stress.

Nothing says "I love you" like securing your family’s future. Read more!

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Trusts & Homeowner’s Insurance: Don’t Let a Technicality Deny Your Claim

Putting your home in a trust is a savvy estate planning move, but if you don’t handle the insurance side correctly, you could be in for a nasty surprise. Yep, we’re talking unexpected coverage gaps that could leave your most valuable asset hanging by a thread.

Want to make sure your homeowner’s insurance and your trust are playing nice? Read more and learn how to keep your home—and your peace of mind—fully protected.

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Estate Planning is More Than Just Paperwork, Folks: National Unclaimed Property Day

Did you know there’s around $60 BILLION in unclaimed property sitting with state governments right now? 

Yep, $60 billion—just hanging out, waiting for someone to claim it. As we gear up for National Unclaimed Property Day on February 1st, let me remind you: proper estate planning can ensure your assets never end up in that pile of forgotten funds.

Let’s make sure your legacy goes exactly where you want it—not into the state’s pocket. Read more now.

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5 Game-Changing Steps to Safeguard Your Loved Ones in 2025

Let’s make 2025 the year you stop procrastinating and start planning! Your loved ones deserve protection, and your legacy deserves to shine. Learn the five must-know steps to safeguard their future and preserve what matters most. Because estate planning doesn’t have to be overwhelming—it just has to get done. Read more.

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Estate Planning Meets FAFSA: Let’s Talk Asset Savvy

Big news for families navigating college financial aid! The 2025-26 FAFSA is shaking things up with major changes that promise to make applying smoother than ever. But here’s the twist: these updates might just give your estate plan a run for its money. Planning for your family’s future now includes some FAFSA-savvy strategy. Curious? Let’s dive in. Read more.

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Steps to Take Before 2024 Ends to Secure Your Tax Credits

Time’s almost up to make those savvy tax moves and lighten your bill for next year! At 20West Legal, we’ve got your back with a guide to the top tax credits for 2024 and the steps you need to take *now* to maximize your savings before December 31.  Don’t let the year end without taking control of your finances—read more and get ahead!

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Year-End Giving: Make an Impact That Lasts

Making a difference doesn’t have to stop when you’re gone. Adding charitable giving to your estate plan is a powerful way to support the causes you love and leave a meaningful legacy that lasts for generations. Read more to see how you can make it happen.

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