The Role of Financial Advisors in Estate Planning

Jeremy AtwoodEstate Planning

attorney helping a client

The will is drafted. The trusts are funded. The signatures are in place. But the plan only works when the numbers behind it line up with the financial reality of your life, and that is where a financial advisor earns a place at the table. According to a WealthManagement.com 2026 Outlook Survey, 59% of RIA respondents estimate that fewer than … Read More

How to Talk to Your Aging Parents About Family Estate Planning

Jeremy AtwoodEstate Planning

Adult daughter speaking with her elderly parents about estate planning in a Utah home with Jeremy Atwood Law logo at the bottom center

There’s no easy way to ask your parents about their estate plan. It’s one of those conversations most families know they should have, but keep putting off. It can feel uncomfortable, too serious, or even intrusive. Many adult children worry about saying the wrong thing or bringing it up too soon. Parents, on the other hand, may see it as … Read More

Life Events That Should Trigger a Legal Review of Your Documents

Jeremy AtwoodEstate Planning

a utah couple in front of their home with estate documents to review

TL;DR: Marriage, divorce, a new child, a home purchase, or a health change can make your existing legal documents outdated and ineffective. You should review your will, trust, and powers of attorney after each major milestone and at least every three to five years, even without significant life changes. Most people think about their legal documents only when they create … Read More

What Happens to Your Estate If Your Beneficiary Dies Before You?

Jeremy AtwoodEstate Planning

attorney's desk with estate beneficiary documents

TL;DR: If your named beneficiary dies before you, their share may revert to your estate or pass under Utah’s anti-lapse statute. Without contingent beneficiaries in your will or trust, a court could decide for you. Reviewing and updating your documents protects your assets and keeps your intentions intact. Creating an estate plan is an important step toward protecting your assets … Read More

What Are the Spousal Rights in Estate Planning?

Jeremy AtwoodEstate Planning

Attorney Jeremy Atwood meets with a married couple at their kitchen table to discuss estate planning, with documents on the table and Utah mountains in the background

Most couples don’t sit around the dinner table talking about wills or what happens when one spouse passes away. It’s the kind of topic that stays on the back burner, right up until life reminds us that plans only work when they’re actually written down. Maybe you’ve wondered what would happen to the house if your spouse dies, or how … Read More

What You Should Know About Estate Planning for Aging Parents

Jeremy AtwoodEstate Planning

hands reviewing estate planning documents beside a blue estate planning binder and pen, with Utah mountains in the background and Jeremy Atwood Law branding

If you’re caring for aging parents, you’ve probably found yourself in situations you never rehearsed for. Searching their house for the “important paperwork,” debating whether now is the right time to talk about long-term care, or trying to keep the peace between siblings with… let’s say different opinions. It’s a strange moment in life. The roles shift, the decisions get … Read More

Who Pays the Taxes on Inherited Property in Utah?

Jeremy AtwoodEstate Planning

taxes on inherited property picture of utah home with documents

TL;DR: Utah charges no inheritance tax, and most estates fall well under the $13.99M federal exemption. You will owe regular property taxes once the title transfers to your name. If you sell, the stepped-up basis rule limits your capital gains exposure. An attorney can help you plan ahead. When you inherit a home, it often comes with mixed emotions. You’re … Read More

8 Questions to Ask a Trust Attorney Before You Hire Them

Jeremy AtwoodEstate Planning

Trust attorney jeremy atwood

Estate planning may not be the most exciting topic, but at its core, it’s an act of care. It’s about protecting what you’ve built and making sure the people you love are provided for, both now and in the future. A living trust lawyer helps make that happen with guidance that makes sense for you. Before you hire one, it … Read More

How to Set Up a Trust Fund for Grandchildren in Utah

Jeremy AtwoodEstate Planning

grandchildren with grandparents estate planning in utah

TL;DR: You can set up a trust fund for your grandchildren in Utah to manage and protect assets for their future. A trust lets you control how and when funds are distributed based on your goals. More and more Utah residents are rethinking the traditional route of leaving everything to their children. In many cases, grandparents are choosing to leave … Read More

Common Myths About Probate in Utah – What Families Need to Know

Jeremy AtwoodEstate Planning

family pose for picture after estate planning with attorney

TL;DR: Probate in Utah is often simpler, faster, and less costly than people assume. Having a will does not let you skip it, and it is not just for the wealthy. Most cases resolve through informal probate in 6 to 12 months, and smart planning through trusts or transfer-on-death designations can help your family avoid it altogether. The last thing … Read More