The call came late at night. Sarah had just settled into bed when her phone buzzed. On the other end, her mother’s voice was shaky. “Your father is gone,” she said. Sarah felt her heart stop. Her father, Robert, had always been the strong, steady presence in her life. Losing
For many people, buying a home is a lifelong dream, but the biggest hurdle often isn’t finding the right house—it’s coming up with the money for a down payment. If you’ve been putting off homeownership because you’re worried about the upfront costs, you might be in for a pleasant surprise.
The True Cost of Not Having a Will (And Why You Need to Tune In to This Podcast Episode!) Let’s talk about something that most people avoid like last year’s fruitcake—estate planning. I know, I know. It’s not the most exciting thing in the world, but trust me, not having
The Smith family’s estate plan wasn’t just about who got the house or the bank accounts. They wanted to preserve their family’s stories—the tales of great-grandpa’s courage in WWII, grandma’s secret recipe for peach cobbler, and the values that had guided their family for generations. Legacy planning goes beyond financial
When Tom passed away, his family discovered that his estate had to go through probate. What followed was a year of court hearings, legal fees, and endless disputes among his children over sentimental items. Tom had a will, but without additional planning, his family was left to navigate the probate
Jenny’s life was filled with joy, but it also had its challenges. Her son, Michael, was born with special needs, and she’d spent his entire life ensuring he had the best care and opportunities. When a friend mentioned “Special Needs Trusts,” Jenny realized she had no idea how to protect
If you’ve been putting off your estate planning, you’re not alone—but it’s time to change that. As Jennifer Norton, founder of Norton Estate Planning and Elder Law in Indianapolis, shared on a recent episode of Thoughtful Planning, not having a will or trust can cost you and your loved ones
Estate planning is about more than money—it’s about creating a legacy that reflects your values and priorities. As we enter the new year, it’s the perfect time to ask: Does your estate plan still represent the legacy you want to leave behind? Take Jack and Mary. When their kids were
At the start of a new year, many of us set financial goals: pay off debt, save for retirement, or finally take that dream vacation. But what about protecting the wealth you’re working so hard to build? That’s where estate planning comes in. Consider the Johnson family. Over the years,
The new year is all about fresh starts, right? So why not make estate planning one of your resolutions? At Norton Estate Planning & Elder Law Firm, we’re here to help you protect your family, preserve your legacy, and start the year feeling like you’ve got it all together (even
