Legally Speaking
Estate Planning For the new Year
As we step into 2026, many people will once again say, “This is the year I finally get my Will done.” Then life happens—and that plan slides right back onto (more…)
Articles by Andrea Jakob
Legally Speaking
Fair Isn’t Always Fifty-Fifty Finding the Right Balance for Your Family
Most parents want to be fair when dividing their estate among their children. It feels natural to think that “fair” means “equal,” right? But when it comes to estate planning, (more…)
Healthy Senior Living
Aging Smart What to Tackle, When, and Who to Call
As we (or our parents) get older, the best gift we can give the family is clarity. Here’s a simple, no-stress roadmap for what to do, when to do it, (more…)
Community News
Nosy Neighbor Nellie Can Find Out About Your Probate
Most people think of probate (the process of collecting, managing, and distributing a deceased person’s money and property) as a private process. However, because probate involves the court system, most (more…)
Legally Speaking
The Digital Afterlife: What Happens to Your Online Life When You’re Gone?
We plan for our homes, savings, even who gets the good china. But have you thought about what happens to your online life when you’re gone? These days, we live (more…)
Legally Speaking
Supportive Child or Subtle Schemer? Spotting the Line Between Help and Harm
As our parents get older, many of us step into new roles: part chauffeur, part medication manager, part tech support (“Mom, that’s not how FaceTime works…”). For many families, one (more…)
Legally Speaking
Love, Business, and Legal Peace of Mind: Smart Planning for Couples Who Work Together
Over the years, I’ve met many wonderful couples who run a business together—some out of passion, some out of practicality, and most with a bit of both. If that sounds (more…)
Legally Speaking
Summer’s Almost Here—Are You Ready for Your Next Adventure?
As summer approaches and vacation plans take shape, it’s the perfect time to think not just about where you’re going—but how to prepare for the unexpected while you’re away. Whether (more…)
Legally Speaking
Beneficiary and Transfer-on-Death Designations: Are You Doing It Right?
Do you know which of your accounts have beneficiary designations, like transfer-on-death (TOD) or payable-on-death (POD)? Have you updated them recently? Do you know what could go wrong if there (more…)
Legally Speaking
3 Asset Protection Tips You Can Use Now
Think asset protection is just for the wealthy or high-risk professionals like doctors and lawyers? Think again! Anyone can face a lawsuit from a car accident, foreclosure, unpaid medical bills, (more…)