By February, many New Year’s resolutions have already started to fade. Gym visits slow down. Budget goals get postponed. Life gets busy again. But there is one resolution that is too important to delay: creating or updating your estate plan. While many people focus on health or financial goals at the start of the year, few consider what may be the most consequential decision of all. A thoughtful estate plan protects your finances, your healthcare decisions, and the people you love … [Read more...] about Secure Your Future: Why Estate Planning Should Still Be at the Top of Your Resolution List
Trustee Selection: Why It Matters and How to Get It Right
Selecting a trustee is one of the most important—and most misunderstood—decisions in Estate Planning. While many individuals focus on who will receive their assets and how those assets will be distributed, far fewer consider the impact the Trustee will have on the management and distribution of those assets. This article explores why trustee selection matters, common pitfalls that lead to conflict and litigation, and how thoughtful planning can help preserve both family harmony and a lasting … [Read more...] about Trustee Selection: Why It Matters and How to Get It Right
How Much Is the 2026 Federal Estate Tax Exemption?
When a new year rolls around, the government updates various parameters to account for inflation. From an inheritance planning perspective, these annual adjustments can have a meaningful impact, and the tax thresholds are especially relevant. With this in mind, many people are asking about the federal estate tax exemption for 2026. It has been established, and the increase will provide additional planning flexibility, particularly for high-net-worth individuals. 2026 Federal Estate Tax … [Read more...] about How Much Is the 2026 Federal Estate Tax Exemption?
ABLE Accounts Law Changes (2025-2026) – New Legislation Affecting ABLE Accounts (VIDEO)
In this video, Attorney Justin M. Kennedy explains recent and upcoming changes in the law impacting ABLE accounts (Achieving a Better Life Experience accounts). ABLE accounts are designed to provide tax-advantaged savings for individuals with disabilities while helping protect eligibility for needs-based public benefits. This video walks through what ABLE accounts are, who qualifies, how they work, and why recent legal changes matter for individuals and families planning for long-term care … [Read more...] about ABLE Accounts Law Changes (2025-2026) – New Legislation Affecting ABLE Accounts (VIDEO)
The Seedier Side of the Holidays
Scammers will use any leverage possible to separate you from your money. This includes preying upon a grandparent’s love and concern for their grandchildren. The so-called grandparent scams are among the most popular scams targeting the elderly and rely upon details gleaned from social media sites to make the call seem realistic. It’s important to recognize the signs of potential scams and understand how to guard against them. Read on to learn more. … [Read more...] about The Seedier Side of the Holidays
Charitable Deductions: 2026 Changes and Year-End Tax Tips (VIDEO)
Understanding how charitable deductions work can help you make smarter tax and estate planning decisions. In this short video, Attorney Justin M. Kennedy explains key changes to charitable deduction rules and what they may mean for you and your family. … [Read more...] about Charitable Deductions: 2026 Changes and Year-End Tax Tips (VIDEO)
“Let’s Go Crazy” … Over Prince’s Estate
When Prince died over nine (9) years ago, he shocked his fans one last time. Turns out, his unexpected death wasn’t the last surprise. Prince died without an Estate Plan causing his siblings to spend the next six years fighting over his Estate. Continue reading to learn more. … [Read more...] about “Let’s Go Crazy” … Over Prince’s Estate
What Football and Estate Planning Have in Common
I, like many Americans, love football. As I settled in to watch my team’s game this week, I wondered if I could turn it into a blog. As I watched, I realized, in fact, football and Estate Planning share many commonalities. Continue reading to learn more. … [Read more...] about What Football and Estate Planning Have in Common
Year-End Tax Planning Strategies for 2025 (VIDEO)
Attorney Justin M. Kennedy of Litherland, Kennedy & Associates discusses the key changes brought by the July 2025 tax law and how these updates create new opportunities for proactive tax planning. In this video, he explains which temporary provisions were made permanent, the new provisions scheduled to expire in 2028, and the strategies individuals and families can use now to reduce their tax burden in the coming years. Justin outlines important tax credits, updated retirement … [Read more...] about Year-End Tax Planning Strategies for 2025 (VIDEO)
Stepping Forward: New Tools and Training to Better Serve Our Clients and Community
Litherland, Kennedy & Associates attended the American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys’ Fall Summit in San Diego, California, from October 16–19, 2025. The Summit brought together leading estate planning attorneys from across the country to explore emerging legal trends, elevate practice management, and share innovative strategies for delivering exceptional client care. This year’s theme, “Reflect. Refuel. Reimagine.”, encouraged attendees to pause and evaluate current practices, … [Read more...] about Stepping Forward: New Tools and Training to Better Serve Our Clients and Community
