Estate Planning in 2026: Why Reviewing Your Plan Matters If you haven’t already considered it, now is an ideal time to think seriously about creating or reviewing an estate plan that fits your needs. Estate planning can feel uncomfortable, but doing the work now can spare your loved ones unnecessary stress during an already difficult...Read More
Gift Giving – Put Your Partner in Your Will Estate planning is often seen as something that can be postponed—a task reserved for later in life or for moments of crisis. Yet one of the most essential elements of a well-prepared estate plan is ensuring that your partner is clearly protected. Whether you are married,...Read More
Are Marital Deductions Still Unlimited? Yes — but only if both spouses are U.S. citizens (or certain trust requirements are met). In the United States, spouses can generally transfer assets to each other at death with no federal estate tax due at the first death because of the Unlimited Marital Deduction. This rule allows...Read More
December 2025 Margaret’s Notes Happy Holidays As I write this on a Sunday morning in the midst of finishing decorating the house, buying Christmas gifts, having company and planning for more company, while trying to keep my faith and purpose of the holidays in sight too; I want to look back over the year and...Read More
Avoid Family Feuds This Holiday Losing a loved one is one of life’s most painful experiences. It brings waves of grief, reflection, and remembrance. But sometimes, what follows can be even more heartbreaking—when disagreements over personal belongings cause division among those left behind. Conflicts about “who gets what” can fracture relationships and leave emotional scars...Read More
Estate Planning During Divorce I am going to reflect on my age and use the passing of beloved Gen X actor Shannen Doherty in July 2024. It offers powerful lessons about the importance of estate planning during divorce. Best known for her unforgettable roles in “Beverly Hills, 90210,” “Heathers,” and “Charmed,” Doherty faced her breast...Read More
Veterans: Your Story Deserves to Be Protected This November, as the country pauses to honor those who have worn the uniform, I want to take a moment to speak directly to the veterans. Your service was about courage, commitment, and the promise of a safer tomorrow. Now, you have the chance to extend that same...Read More
November 2025 Margaret’s Notes November is when it finally starts feeling like Fall here in Arizona, and I get excited for Thanksgiving. I think Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday, as it is a time to express gratitude and just be present with family and friends. It is the calm before the craziness of the end...Read More
Why Advance Directives Aren’t Enough: Lessons from One Family’s Struggle In an aging society, you may find yourself making critical medical decisions for a loved one — sometimes with very little warning. And when that moment comes, you’ll quickly discover that navigating end-of-life care is rarely simple, even when legal documents like advance directives...Read More
What It Really Means to Be a Personal Representative in Arizona When someone names you as the executor of their estate, it’s often seen as a sign of deep trust. In Arizona, the legal term for this role is Personal Representative, and while it may sound straightforward, the reality can be far more demanding. Administering...Read More
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