What to Include in a Letter of Instruction for Your Estate Plan

Jeremy AtwoodEstate Planning

estate planning attorney syracuse utah

When you think of estate planning, wills, trusts, and powers of attorney are probably the things that come to your mind. You’re not wrong. While these documents are a critical part of your estate plan in Utah, there is another document that makes life a lot easier for your loved ones.  Yes, we are talking about a letter of instruction … Read More

6 Reasons Why You Should Hire an Estate Planning Attorney

Jeremy AtwoodEstate Planning

divorcing couple with assets on table in utah

Believe it or not, almost everyone has an estate: whether it’s your home, car, real estate, checking/saving accounts, investments, life insurance, furniture, or other personal belongings. You’ve probably spent your entire life building it from the ground. But what happens to your possessions when you’re no longer around?  Like 33% of Americans, you may want to dictate how your estate … Read More

Planning for Incapacity: What Documents Every Adult Needs

Jeremy AtwoodElder Law, Estate Planning

mother and grandmother walking

TL;DR: Planning for incapacity involves having essential documents like a durable power of attorney, healthcare directive, and living will. These documents allow you to designate decision-makers for financial and healthcare matters if you are unable to make decisions for yourself. Most people plan for milestones like college, marriage, and retirement. But few think about what would happen if they could … Read More

What Happens If a Person Dies Without a Will in Utah?  

Jeremy AtwoodEstate Planning

signing will utah

TL;DR: If you die without a will in Utah, the state intestacy laws decide who gets your assets. Your property may go to your spouse, children, or other relatives based on a set order, which may not match your personal wishes. When someone passes away, one of the first questions families ask is, “Did they leave a will?” If the … Read More

What Are the Legal Steps to Appoint a Power of Attorney in Utah?

Jeremy AtwoodEstate Planning

TL;DR: Appointing a power of attorney in Utah involves selecting a trusted individual to make financial, legal, or healthcare decisions on your behalf. The process requires completing the necessary legal forms, having them notarized, and making sure the designated agent understands their role. While no one likes to think about worst-case scenarios, life has a way of throwing the unexpected … Read More

What is a Medicaid Asset Protection Trust (MAPT) & How Do They Work?

Jeremy AtwoodEstate Planning

medicaid asset protection trust

TL;DR: A Medicaid Asset Protection Trust (MAPT) is designed to protect assets from being counted when applying for Medicaid benefits. By transferring assets into the trust, you can qualify for Medicaid while preserving wealth for your heirs, provided certain rules are followed. Long-term care is expensive, and Medicaid is often the only option for many seniors who need nursing home … Read More

Revocable vs. Irrevocable Trusts: What’s the Difference?

Jeremy AtwoodEstate Planning

older couple in lawn chairs discussing types of trusts

Trying to understand the difference between a revocable and an irrevocable trust can feel confusing, but it doesn’t have to be. At its core, a trust is a legal arrangement where you (the grantor) transfer ownership of your assets to a trustee, who manages those assets on behalf of your chosen beneficiaries. But the specific rules governing the trust depend … Read More

A Short Guide to Estate Planning for Business Owners

Jeremy AtwoodEstate Planning

What happens to your business when you’re not there to run it? Without a plan, years of hard work can unravel overnight. Your family could face legal battles, your partners could struggle to keep things afloat, and your business could lose everything you’ve built. Estate planning isn’t just a legal formality—it’s your blueprint for the future. It answers the tough … Read More

What Is a Spousal Lifetime Access Trust (SLAT) and How Does It Work in Estate Planning?

Jeremy AtwoodEstate Planning

TL;DR: A Spousal Lifetime Access Trust (SLAT) lets you provide financial support to your spouse while protecting your estate for heirs. You transfer assets into the trust, allowing your spouse access during their lifetime, reducing taxes, shielding from creditors, and preserving wealth for your family. Planning your future might seem overwhelming, but if done properly, it offers peace of mind … Read More

8 Benefits of Creating a Living Trust for Estate Planning

Jeremy AtwoodEstate Planning

attorney helping with living trust

TL;DR: Creating a living trust gives you control over your assets while protecting your family and privacy. It avoids probate, speeds up distribution, offers flexibility, manages taxes, and provides support if you become incapacitated, giving peace of mind for your estate plan. How many Americans do you think have an estate plan?  According to a recent survey, only 32% of … Read More