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Topic: estate-planning
You Can’t Work for 6 Months. Here’s What Your Business Needs
By Tammy Silvas • September 7, 2026
Business owner disability insurance is one part of the plan. Use this six-month test to protect payroll, household income, legal authority, and cash flow. You wake up after surgery and reach for your phone. Your spouse stops you. The doctor…
You Have Life Insurance. Here’s What Your Family Actually Needs.
By Tammy Silvas • September 7, 2026
A life insurance beneficiary review can reveal outdated names, minor beneficiaries, and trust conflicts before they disrupt the future your family needs. You bought the policy when your first child was born. You chose an amount that felt en…
Small Business Legal Checklist: What to Review as You Grow
By Tammy Silvas • August 31, 2026
Your business has grown. Use this small business legal checklist to review the legal, insurance, financial, and tax systems supporting what comes next. In January, you had two contractors and a manageable client list. By August, you have an…
Your Trust Could Reach the 37% Tax Bracket at Just $16,000
By Tammy Silvas • August 31, 2026
A SECURE Act IRA trust can reach the 37% federal tax bracket at just over $16,000 in 2026. Here's what families with retirement accounts should review. You did the work. You saved for retirement, signed a trust, and named beneficiaries beca…
Living Well through the Four Stages of Retirement
By Tammy Silvas • August 25, 2026
Creating Your Best Life even as Independence Changes Most retirement planning begins with a familiar picture: stop working, enjoy more freedom, travel, spend time with family and make sure your savings last. This is important planning, but…
What Happens to Your Business When You Die Without a Plan?
By Tammy Silvas • August 24, 2026
A will won't keep your business running. Here's what business owners actually need: buy-sell agreements, incapacity plans, and coordinated LIFT coverage. You've put years into your business. You've built the client relationships, hired the…
You Made a Will. Here’s What It Can’t Do.
By Tammy Silvas • August 24, 2026
Making a will is step one. Here's what most families miss after they sign, and what actually protects the people you love. You did it. Maybe Make-A-Will Month finally moved it to the top of your list. Maybe you've been meaning to get this d…
Retirement Road: Are you prepared for the Downshift?
By Tammy Silvas • August 19, 2026
Your Financial Plan May Prepare You for Independent Retirement. But Does It Prepare You for Aging? Most retirement planning answers familiar questions: How much should we save? When can we retire? How should investments be managed? Who rece…
Q4 Business Planning Checklist: What to Review Before October
By Tammy Silvas • August 17, 2026
Most business owners hit Q4 unprepared. Here's the legal, insurance, financial, and tax review to do in August before the pressure builds. August feels like a slower month. The inbox thins out. The pace drops. But if you run a business, Aug…
Frozen Accounts, Court Delays, and Grief: What Happens in the Probate Process
By Tammy Silvas • August 17, 2026
Understanding why this happens starts with knowing what shifts the moment someone dies. Your mom told you not to worry; she had everything handled. You were her power of attorney, helping her pay bills and manage her accounts. When she pass…
$5M in Assets: You are Still at HIGH Risk
By Tammy Silvas • August 13, 2026
Have Up to $5 Million in Assets? You Could Still Need Medicaid. It's not pessimism — it's biology. Federal data shows about 70% of people turning 65 today will need some form of long-term care in their lifetime. That includes your neighbors…
Make-A-Will Month Is a Good Reminder. But Business Owners Need More Than a Will.
By Tammy Silvas • August 10, 2026
You built this business. Without a succession plan, what you built goes into crisis the moment you are gone. You built this business. You have clients who rely on you, employees who show up every day because you showed up first, and debts y…
Make-A-Will Month Is Here. But a Will Isn't a Plan.
By Tammy Silvas • August 10, 2026
Not having a will is a real problem. But having one and assuming your family is protected can be just as dangerous. A family called me after losing their mother. She had a will, properly signed and perfectly valid. But it didn't tell anyone…
What Happens to Business Debt When You Die?
By Tammy Silvas • August 3, 2026
what happens to the debt? Most business owners spend a lot of energy thinking about what they're building. Revenue, clients, team, growth. What most don't think about, at least not until something forces the conversation, is what happens to…
Friends Don't Let Friends Go Without an Estate Plan
By Tammy Silvas • August 3, 2026
How to have the estate planning conversation with the people you love without making it weird There's a phrase most of us remember from decades past: "Friends don't let friends drive drunk." It was simple, direct, and it worked, because it…
The Burden Fallacy
By Tammy Silvas • August 3, 2026
How “I don’t want to be a burden” turns into one. At first, it sounds compassionate. Protective. Respectful. But too often, “not wanting to be a burden” becomes the very reason families avoid the conversations that could make aging safer, c…
The One Big Beautiful Bill: What Business Owners Need to Do Right Now
By Tammy Silvas • July 28, 2026
That gap, between knowing the rules changed and adjusting how you operate, is where the opportunity lives right now. That gap, between knowing the rules changed and adjusting how you operate, is where the opportunity lives right now. The la…
Trump Accounts: What Every Parent of a Baby Born 2025–2028 Needs to Know
By Tammy Silvas • July 28, 2026
A Trump Account is a tax-advantaged investment account created for a child If your baby was born on or after January 1, 2025, the federal government has set aside $1,000 for your child. The account is available now. Contributions opened on…
Same Retirement. Two Realities
By Tammy Silvas • July 27, 2026
Retirement Looked Like the Brochure, Until It Became Real Life. You pictured this: mornings with no alarm clock. Grandkids on weekends. Maybe a boat, or at least a really good looking garden. For a lot of baby boomers, retirement started ou…
Have up to $5M in Assets? You could still need Medicaid!
By Tammy Silvas • July 23, 2026
------------------- It's not pessimism — it's biology Federal data shows about 70% of people turning 65 today will need some form of long-term care in their lifetime. That includes your neighbors, your parents, and quite possibly you. Here'…
A Will, Trust, Powers of Attorney...and What Else?
By Tammy Silvas • July 21, 2026
Exploring what impacts our "QUALITY OF LIFE" as we age. A Life to be Lived Many families have done the right thing by creating a will, a trust, and powers of attorney. These documents matter AND they are important parts of a strong estate p…
Asset Protection Trusts for Business Owners: Getting It Done Before the Window Closes (Part 3)
By Tammy Silvas • July 20, 2026
Not every business owner needs a lifetime asset protection trust. Here is who does, when the timing matters, and what life events should trigger it. Four years ago, you had no idea the claim was coming. You were growing. You were profitable…
When Your Spouse Won't Get on Board with Estate Planning: What to Do Now
By Tammy Silvas • July 20, 2026
Most reluctant spouses aren't indifferent about protecting the family You've brought it up before. Maybe it came up after watching a friend go through something hard, a probate process that dragged on for years, or a family left scrambling…
Why isn't the Sandwich Generation Talking?
By Tammy Silvas • July 13, 2026
When caring for aging parents and raising a family can become too much to carry alone Many adult children are living in the middle. They are in the middle of raising kids of their own, supporting spouses, managing jobs, and paying bills…plu…
Asset Protection Trusts for Business Owners: Who Needs One and When to Act
By Tammy Silvas • July 13, 2026
Not every business owner needs a lifetime asset protection trust. Here is who does, when the timing matters, and what life events should trigger it. Four years before a wrongful termination lawsuit landed on his desk, Marcus transferred his…
What Happens to Debt When You Die: What Families Must Know
By Tammy Silvas • July 13, 2026
The Debt Collectors Called the Day After the Funeral The call came four days after her husband died. A credit card company. Forty-one thousand dollars on his account. The representative told her she was responsible for the balance and asked…
Asset Protection Trusts for Business Owners: How They Work
By Tammy Silvas • July 3, 2026
Can a Lawsuit Take What You've Built? What Business Owners Need to Know The lawsuit came from a contract dispute with a former vendor. By the time it was resolved, the business owner had spent fourteen months in litigation, paid six figures…
The New Tax Law and Your Family's Trust: What to Know Now
By Tammy Silvas • July 3, 2026
The Law Changed. Your Family's Need for a Plan Didn't. A client forwarded me a CNBC article last week with a note: "Does this affect our trust?" It was a reasonable question. The article described a provision buried in the One Big Beautiful…
The Retired Aging Population
By Tammy Silvas • July 3, 2026
IS Quietly Affecting your company Employees may not talk about it openly. They may not ask for help. They may not even call themselves caregivers. But they are missing meetings, answering emergency calls, managing care decisions, paying bil…
Digital Estate Planning: Why Passwords Aren't Enough
By Tammy Silvas • July 1, 2026
They Had the Passwords. They Still Could Not Get In. Amy found the notebook in the top drawer of her mother's desk. Six pages. Every account. Every password. Username, password, recovery question. Her mother had been organized her whole lif…
Aging at Home
By Tammy Silvas • June 29, 2026
Identifying modifications that make staying possible Most people don't want to leave the home they love. They want to stay where the coffee pot lives in the right spot and the grandkids' photos line the hallway. Aging at home is possible—bu…
Succession Planning: New Tax Law Limit Hits Small Trusts.
By Tammy Silvas • June 29, 2026
The Tax Provision Nobody Told Business Owners About When the One Big Beautiful Bill was signed into law, the headline most business owners saw was the estate tax exemption increase. Starting in 2026, the exemption rises to $15 million per p…
Losing Yourself to Caregiving
By Tammy Silvas • June 22, 2026
When Helping Mom and Dad Changes Your Life As parents age, many adult children naturally step into a caregiving role. It often starts with small tasks—driving to medical appointments, helping with medications, managing finances, or checking…
Your Heir Is Already in the Building: What Has to Be in Place Before the Transition Happens.
By Tammy Silvas • June 22, 2026
Even when it's family doesn't mean it will be easy. Think about why you built the business. For most business-owning fathers, the honest answer involves their family. The people they wanted to provide for. The thing they wanted to leave beh…
Divorce Doesn't Update Your Estate Plan: Here's What Does
By Tammy Silvas • June 22, 2026
Showing up for your kids takes more deliberate effort than it looks like from the outside. If you are a divorced father, you already know something that most married fathers don't: showing up for your kids takes more deliberate effort than…
The Good Life & Aging: What Does This Look Like?
By Tammy Silvas • June 15, 2026
As life changes for older adults, the idea of "The Good Life" changes too. For most of our lives, we just figure it out. We work, raise families, and solve problems as they come. Our parents did the same. So, when life starts to get smaller…
Blended Families, Family Businesses: Why the Plan Has to Be Intentional
By Tammy Silvas • June 15, 2026
Blended Families, Family Businesses: Why the Plan Has to Be Intentional Think about the business you've built and the family you've built, and consider whether the plan you have actually connects the two the way you intend. For a lot of bus…
The Father the Law Doesn't See: What Stepfathers and Father Figures Need to Know
By Tammy Silvas • June 15, 2026
The Father the Law Doesn't See: What Stepfathers and Father Figures Need to Know If you are a stepfather, you know the difference between the legal definition of father and the real one. The real one shows up. He learns the allergies, the f…
Powers of Attorney: Important, But Often Not Enough for Long-Term Care Planning
By Tammy Silvas • June 8, 2026
Many older adults believe they are fully prepared because they have a will, trust, and powers of attorney in place. Many older adults believe they are fully prepared because they have a will, trust, and powers of attorney in place. Those do…
The Business Your Dad Built: What Happens to It When He Can't Show Up?
By Tammy Silvas • June 8, 2026
The Business Your Dad Built: What Happens to It When He Can't Show Up? Think about the business your father built, or the business you are building for your family. For a lot of business-owner fathers, the business is inseparable from life.…
The Question Every Father Thinks He's Answered (But Hasn't)
By Tammy Silvas • June 8, 2026
The Question Every Father Thinks He's Answered (But Hasn't) There are two kinds of fathers. The first kind coaches the games, makes it to the school plays, stays up late helping with the projects, and loves his family in every visible way.…
Pitching in for Care and Safety
By Tammy Silvas • June 3, 2026
It all starts with good intentions Most aging adults understand that long-term care can be expensive. The financial impact of this though can extend far beyond their own savings account. As care needs increase, adult children frequently bec…
The 1099 You Shouldn't Send: The Summer Hiring Mistake That Follows You Into April
By Tammy Silvas • June 1, 2026
The 1099 You Shouldn't Send: The Summer Hiring Mistake That Follows You Into April September comes faster than it should. You blink, and Q3 is over, and you are looking at a number that is not where you thought it would be. Not because you…
Who Would Raise Your Kids If You Couldn't? (What You Don't Know About the First 72 Hours)
By Tammy Silvas • June 1, 2026
Who Would Raise Your Kids If You Couldn't? (What You Don't Know About the First 72 Hours) I work with parents on this exact question all the time, and especially this time of year, sitting right between Mother's Day and Father's Day, the lo…
The Emotional & Financial Cost of Caregiving: A preventable cost
By Tammy Silvas • May 27, 2026
Growing older often comes with conversations families never expected to have Who will help if mom falls? What happens if dad can no longer drive? How will long-term care be paid for? What if a spouse is left financially vulnerable? For many…
Do You Know Your Q3 Number? Most Business Owners Don't, and Summer Is Why.
By Tammy Silvas • May 27, 2026
Do You Know Your Q3 Number? Most Business Owners Don't, and Summer Is Why. September comes faster than it should. You blink, and Q3 is over, and you are looking at a number that is not where you thought it would be. Not because you did not…
No One Warned Her About the Widow Penalty. Her First Tax Return Did.
By Tammy Silvas • May 26, 2026
No One Warned Her About the Widow Penalty. Her First Tax Return Did. She had been filing taxes the same way for thirty years. Married filing jointly. Two incomes, two Social Security checks, one tax return. When her husband died, she assume…
The Missing Piece of Traditional Estate Planning
By Tammy Silvas • May 21, 2026
Why Elder Care Is NOT Part of Most Legal Estate Plans For many families, creating a will or trust feels like crossing “future planning” off the list. The documents are signed. Powers of attorney are in place. Beneficiaries are named. What e…
Your Mid-Year Business Check-In: 5 Things to Review Before Summer (and One Deadline You Cannot Miss)
By Tammy Silvas • May 21, 2026
Your Mid-Year Business Check-In: 5 Things to Review Before Summer (and One Deadline You Cannot Miss) There is a particular kind of business owner who discovers a problem in October. They missed an estimated tax payment in June. They hired a…
The Document That Fails When You Need It Most
By Tammy Silvas • May 19, 2026
It's a failure that can land you in court. This happens far more than it should. You signed a Power of Attorney (POA), named someone you trust, and filed it away with your important documents. You felt the quiet relief of having that handle…
Champion Your Health during “Order Americans Month”
By Tammy Silvas • May 13, 2026
Healthy Aging isn’t just Medical It’s Legal and Financial Too You’ve worked hard for what you have—a home, retirement savings, maybe even a plan for how you want life to look in your later years. So, when someone mentions Medicaid planning,…
Before You Load the Car: What Your Business Needs Before You Leave for Summer Vacation
By Tammy Silvas • May 12, 2026
Before You Load the Car: What Your Business Needs Before You Leave for Summer Vacation For a few weeks every spring, tax season gives you more financial clarity than almost any other time of year. Now ask the question most business owners n…
He Sold His Company for $1.2 Billion. He Died Without an Estate Plan.
By Tammy Silvas • May 12, 2026
He Sold His Company for $1.2 Billion. He Died Without an Estate Plan. Your mom told you not to worry; she had everything handled. You were her power of attorney, helping her pay bills and manage her accounts. When she passed away, you assum…
Your Business Runs Because You Show Up. Here’s What Happens When You Can’t.
By Tammy Silvas • May 7, 2026
Your Business Runs Because You Show Up Here’s What Happens When You Can’t You just closed the folder on another tax year. Maybe the number you owed surprised you. Maybe it didn’t. Either way, you just spent weeks pulling together receipts,…
Will I Need Medicaid?
By Tammy Silvas • May 6, 2026
I own a home and have retirement savings Do I need to plan for Medicaid? You’ve worked hard for what you have—a home, retirement savings, maybe even a plan for how you want life to look in your later years. So, when someone mentions Medicai…
Frozen Accounts, Court Delays, and Grief: What Happens in the Probate Process
By Tammy Silvas • May 5, 2026
Frozen Accounts, Court Delays, and Grief: What Happens in the Probate Process Your mom told you not to worry; she had everything handled. You were her power of attorney, helping her pay bills and manage her accounts. When she passed away, y…
Your Tax Return Is Trying to Warn You. Are You Listening?
By Tammy Silvas • April 30, 2026
Your Tax Return Is Trying to Warn You. Are You Listening? You started your business to build something. You put in the long hours, made the hard calls, and figured things out as you went. At some point, someone told you that you needed an o…
Alzheimer’s Planning: Why Timing Changes Everything
By Tammy Silvas • April 29, 2026
An Alzheimer’s diagnosis causes most families shift immediately into “what do we do now?” mode The focus naturally turns to doctor visits, medications, and daily routines. But the most important decisions are not just about today—it’s about…
Tax Season Forced You to Look. Now Ask the One Question That Actually Matters
By Tammy Silvas • April 28, 2026
Tax Season Forced You to Look. Now Ask the One Question That Actually Matters. After you're gone, your family won't just be grieving. They'll be making phone calls, hunting down accounts, and navigating a legal process that no one told them…
The Agreement That Controls Your Business - Even If You've Never Read It
By Tammy Silvas • April 23, 2026
The Agreement That Controls Your Business - Even If You've Never Read It You started your business to build something. You put in the long hours, made the hard calls, and figured things out as you went. At some point, someone told you that…
“Why Won’t They Plan?”
By Tammy Silvas • April 22, 2026
An Adult Child’s Guide: Navigating Long-Term Care Conversations with Reluctant Parents If you’ve felt frustrated—or even scared—you’re not alone. This is one of the most common challenges adult children face. And here’s the truth: it’s not…
Anne Heche Died in 2022. Her Family Is Still Paying for It
By Tammy Silvas • April 20, 2026
Anne Heche Died in 2022. Her Family Is Still Paying for It You probably assume that if something happened to you, the other parent would step in and everything would work itself out. In many families, that's true. But not always. Real life…
How to Recession-Proof Your Business: Strategies That Survived 2008 and 2020
By Tammy Silvas • April 16, 2026
How to Recession-Proof Your Business: Strategies That Survived 2008 and 2020 You built this business from the ground up. You know every vendor, every password, every contract. You handle the bank accounts, sign every check, and approve ever…
What Is Medicaid Spend Down? What You Need to Know Before the Best Options Are Gone
By Tammy Silvas • April 15, 2026
What Is Medicaid Spend Down? What You Need to Know Before the Best Options Are Gone Most families don’t start here—until they have to. A parent needs care. The bills are high. And suddenly the question becomes: “Do we have to spend everythi…
One Death, One Courtroom, One Child - and a Lesson Every Parent Needs to Hear
By Tammy Silvas • April 14, 2026
One Death, One Courtroom, One Child - and a Lesson Every Parent Needs to Hear You and your partner have built something real together. Maybe you share a home, split the bills, and have been each other's go-to person for years. In every way…
Retirement’s Missing Link
By Tammy Silvas • April 9, 2026
Retirement’s Missing Link Hint: It’s usually not Medicare… and not always Medicaid At some point, nearly every family faces the same quiet realization: “What happens when living at home is no longer safe—or no longer enough?” It often start…
Why You Shouldn’t Be Your Business’s Only Decision-Maker
By Tammy Silvas • April 7, 2026
Why You Shouldn’t Be Your Business’s Only Decision-Maker You've built something real. A team you trust, systems that hum along, real momentum. Then one morning, one of your best people walks in and hands you a resignation letter. Maybe it's…
Estate Planning for Unmarried Couples: Protecting the Person You Love
By Tammy Silvas • April 7, 2026
Estate Planning for Unmarried Couples: Protecting the Person You Love If you are in a blended family, you may believe the simplest estate plan is the fairest one: "I'll leave everything to my spouse. They'll take care of my kids." That appr…
Need Senior Living—Who Actually Pays the Bill
By Tammy Silvas • April 1, 2026
Need Senior Living—Who Actually Pays the Bill Hint: It’s usually not Medicare… and not always Medicaid At some point, nearly every family faces the same quiet realization: “What happens when living at home is no longer safe—or no longer eno…
When a Key Employee Leaves: What Smart Business Owners Do Next
By Tammy Silvas • March 30, 2026
When a Key Employee Leaves: What Smart Business Owners Do Next You've built something real. A team you trust, systems that hum along, real momentum. Then one morning, one of your best people walks in and hands you a resignation letter. Mayb…
Here’s What Can Happen to Blended Families When a Spouse Dies
By Tammy Silvas • March 30, 2026
Here’s What Can Happen to Blended Families When a Spouse Dies If you are in a blended family, you may believe the simplest estate plan is the fairest one: "I'll leave everything to my spouse. They'll take care of my kids." That approach oft…
When “Giving It Away” Backfires
By Tammy Silvas • March 25, 2026
When “Giving It Away” Backfires The Real Cost of Social Media Medicaid Advice It sounds like a smart move. “Just transfer your home to your kids now—so it’s protected later.” It’s one of the most common pieces of advice families see online.…
What Your Business Is Really Teaching Your Loved Ones
By Tammy Silvas • March 25, 2026
What Your Business Is Really Teaching Your Loved Ones Your business is taking off. Sales are climbing, customers are lining up, and you're hiring as fast as you can. You might even be thinking about expanding into new markets or launching a…
Here’s What Happens to Your Retirement Accounts After You Die
By Tammy Silvas • March 24, 2026
Here’s What Happens to Your Retirement Accounts After You Die Retirement accounts like 401(k)s and IRAs often represent the single largest category of wealth for American families. According to recent data, retirement funds in these account…
How Fast Growth Can Put Your Business at Legal Risk
By Tammy Silvas • March 18, 2026
How Fast Growth Can Put Your Business at Legal Risk Your business is taking off. Sales are climbing, customers are lining up, and you're hiring as fast as you can. You might even be thinking about expanding into new markets or launching add…
Planning While You Still Have Choices: Why Early Elder Law Planning Protects Your Independence
By Tammy Silvas • March 18, 2026
Planning While You Still Have Choices: Why Early Elder Law Planning Protects Your Independence Tom had built his business over 42 years. He was known for being decisive — steady, confident, trusted. So when his wife, Linda, asked him to rev…
Creating a Trust in Your Will vs. Creating a Living Trust: Part 2
By Tammy Silvas • March 17, 2026
Creating a Trust in Your Will vs. Creating a Living Trust: Part 2 You've probably heard that trusts help families avoid probate court and protect assets for the people you love. Maybe you've even talked to a lawyer who mentioned including a…
When Decisions Become Heavier…and harder to make
By Tammy Silvas • March 11, 2026
Why did the renewal sit for weeks...untouched? Tom had built his business over 42 years. He was known for being decisive — steady, confident, trusted. So when his wife, Linda, asked him to review a simple insurance renewal, she didn’t expec…
Tax Moves Business Owners Can Still Make in March for the Prior Year
By Tammy Silvas • March 9, 2026
Tax Moves Business Owners Can Still Make in March for the Prior Year By March, many business owners assume tax planning is over. The year has closed, the numbers feel locked, and the focus shifts to writing a check to the IRS instead of sha…
Creating a Trust in Your Will vs. Creating a Living Trust: Part 1
By Tammy Silvas • March 9, 2026
Creating a Trust in Your Will vs. Creating a Living Trust: Part 1 When someone calls an estate planning attorney asking for a "quick look" at their documents, the request usually sounds straightforward. Maybe the documents were created usin…
Stay in Control with Strong Long-Term Care Decisions:
By Tammy Silvas • March 3, 2026
Stay in Control with Strong Long-Term Care Decisions: Frank had always been the one people depended on. He carried groceries without thinking twice. Fixed things around the house. Managed the finances. Made decisions confidently. Recently,…
Your Business Is Valuable - But Is It Built to Last Without You?
By Tammy Silvas • March 2, 2026
Your Business Is Valuable - But Is It Built to Last Without You? Countless entrepreneurs launch businesses with partners without planning for what happens when the partnership ends. You may even be one of them. So, what happens when a busin…
Why Quick and Simple Estate Plan Reviews Don't Exist
By Tammy Silvas • March 2, 2026
Why Quick and Simple Estate Plan Reviews Don't Exist When someone calls an estate planning attorney asking for a "quick look" at their documents, the request usually sounds straightforward. Maybe the documents were created using an online s…
Staying in Control as the Body Changes: How Planning Protects Independence, Family, and the Life You’ve Built
By Tammy Silvas • February 25, 2026
Staying in Control as the Body Changes: How Planning Protects Independence, Family, and the Life You’ve Built Frank had always been the one people depended on. He carried groceries without thinking twice. Fixed things around the house. Mana…
Business Breakups Can Be Worse Than Divorces - Here's Why
By Tammy Silvas • February 23, 2026
Business Breakups Can Be Worse Than Divorces - Here's Why You've been running your side hustle for months, maybe even years. What started as a way to earn extra income has now grown into something bigger. You're wondering: Could this actual…
Understanding Inheritance Taxes: What You and Your Beneficiaries Need to Know
By Tammy Silvas • February 23, 2026
Understanding Inheritance Taxes: What You and Your Beneficiaries Need to Know You own your home. Maybe it's your most significant asset. Perhaps you’ve heard about Lady Bird Deeds and how they can help you avoid probate and protect your hom…
Do you know about Medicaid Spousal Impoverishment?
By Tammy Silvas • February 19, 2026
Do you know about Medicaid Spousal Impoverishment? How some families can keep a large part of their estate—even after years in a nursing home Most families assume that a long nursing home stay will wipe out everything they’ve spent a lifeti…
When Should You Fire a Client? Signs It's Time to Part Ways (And How to Do It Right)
By Tammy Silvas • February 16, 2026
From Side Hustle to Full-Time Business: Making the Leap Without the Risk You've been running your side hustle for months, maybe even years. What started as a way to earn extra income has now grown into something bigger. You're wondering: Co…
The Lady Bird Deed: 5 Risks to Consider Beyond Medicaid Protection
By Tammy Silvas • February 16, 2026
The Lady Bird Deed: 5 Risks to Consider Beyond Medicaid Protection It's a question I hear often: if I die with debt, will my family be stuck paying it off? The short answer is it depends on several factors, including the type of debt you ha…
I am afraid to ask: because I am afraid it is too late.
By Tammy Silvas • February 11, 2026
I am afraid to ask: because I am afraid it is too late. How some families can keep a large part of their estate—even after years in a nursing home Most families assume that a long nursing home stay will wipe out everything they’ve spent a l…
From Side Hustle to Full-Time Business: Making the Leap Without the Risk
By Tammy Silvas • February 9, 2026
From Side Hustle to Full-Time Business: Making the Leap Without the Risk You've been running your side hustle for months, maybe even years. What started as a way to earn extra income has now grown into something bigger. You're wondering: Co…
What Happens to Your Debt When You Die?
By Tammy Silvas • February 9, 2026
Where Will You Live and How Will You Get and Pay For Care As You Age? A Legal and Practical Guide If you're planning for your own future or helping aging parents, understanding options for living and long-term care isn't just about finding…
Should You Hire a Fractional CFO? What Business Owners Need to Know
By Tammy Silvas • February 5, 2026
Your business needs a higher level of financial expertise: but you're not quite ready to hire a full-time CFO You're juggling payroll, watching cash flow, reviewing profit margins, and trying to make sense of quarterly reports. Meanwhile, y…
Medicaid & Middle-Class married couples: What happens when “In sickness and in health” becomes real?
By Tammy Silvas • February 3, 2026
Medicaid & Middle-Class married couples: What happens when “In sickness and in health” becomes real? As parents age, families often reach a quiet but painful turning point: the moment when everyday decisions—about health, money, safety, or…
Where Will You Live and How Will You Get and Pay For Care As You Age? A Legal and Practical Guide
By Tammy Silvas • February 3, 2026
Why So Much Money Ends Up as Unclaimed Property and What That Means for You If you're planning for your own future or helping aging parents, understanding options for living and long-term care isn't just about finding a nice place to live.…
Quality of Life: What It Really Means When Aging Adults Can No Longer Make Decisions
By Tammy Silvas • January 28, 2026
Quality of Life: What It Really Means When Aging Adults Can No Longer Make Decisions As parents age, families often reach a quiet but painful turning point: the moment when everyday decisions—about health, money, safety, or even meals—becom…
Why So Much Money Ends Up as Unclaimed Property and What That Means for You
By Tammy Silvas • January 27, 2026
Why So Much Money Ends Up as Unclaimed Property and What That Means for You Your mom told you not to worry; she had everything handled. You were her power of attorney, helping her pay bills and manage her accounts. When she passed away, you…
Elder Law 101: The Legal Protections Every Family Needs to Know About
By Tammy Silvas • January 21, 2026
Can you pay an adult child to take care of mom without losing Medicaid? As people age, their legal needs often become more complex—and that’s where elder law steps in. Elder law is a specialized area of legal practice focused on the challen…
Frozen Accounts, Court Delays, and Grief: What Happens in the Probate Process
By Tammy Silvas • January 20, 2026
Frozen Accounts, Court Delays, and Grief: What Happens in the Probate Process You open the door to your parents' home for the first time since the funeral. Closets stuffed with decades of clothes. Cabinets filled with china no one uses. A g…
Elder Law 101: The Legal Protections Every Family Needs to Know About
By Tammy Silvas • January 14, 2026
Elder Law 101: The Legal Protections Every Family Needs to Know About As people age, their legal needs often become more complex—and that’s where elder law steps in. Elder law is a specialized area of legal practice focused on the challenge…
What Happens to All Your Stuff When You Die? (And Why Your Family Is Dreading It)
By Tammy Silvas • January 13, 2026
What Happens to All Your Stuff When You Die? (And Why Your Family Is Dreading It) When you begin thinking about estate planning, one of the first questions you might ask is whether you need a will, a trust, or both. You may have heard confl…
Will Mom and Dad Really Lose Their House If They Need a Nursing Home?
By Tammy Silvas • January 7, 2026
Will Mom and Dad Really Lose Their House If They Need a Nursing Home? For many families, this is the question that keeps them up at night. An aging parent needs more help. A doctor mentions “long-term care.” Suddenly, adult children are Goo…
Silvas Law Appoints Jon P. Bennett as Chief Operating Officer and Head of Business Solutions
By Tammy Silvas • January 7, 2026
New COO and Head of Business Solutions appointment strengthens firm’s integrated legal, business, and advisory capabilities January 7, 2026 — Silvas Law, PC announced today the appointment of Jon P. Bennett as Chief Operating Officer (COO)…
Wills vs. Trusts: How to Choose the Right Tool to Protect the People You Love
By Tammy Silvas • January 5, 2026
Why Your Family Needs a Mission Statement When you begin thinking about estate planning, one of the first questions you might ask is whether you need a will, a trust, or both. You may have heard conflicting information from friends, social…
New Year, New Plan: a different kind of planning
By Tammy Silvas • January 2, 2026
New Year, New Plan: a different kind of planning As the New Year approaches, many of us make resolutions—eat healthier, exercise more, get organized…caring more for family that cannot care for themselves? As we assess the past year and make…
Why Your Family Needs a Mission Statement
By Tammy Silvas • December 30, 2025
Why Your Family Needs a Mission Statement If you’re starting to worry about an aging parent, you’re not alone. Most families reach a moment—sometimes slowly, sometimes all at once—when they realize Mom or Dad may need more help than before.…
"I'm starting to worry about Mom and Dad" - Where do families begin?
By Tammy Silvas • December 24, 2025
A Practical Guide for families navigating the first signs of aging If you’re starting to worry about an aging parent, you’re not alone. Most families reach a moment—sometimes slowly, sometimes all at once—when they realize Mom or Dad may ne…
Got Retirement Savings? Must Read …
By Tammy Silvas • December 22, 2025
Got Retirement Savings? Must Read … The SECURE Act 2.0 brought some of the biggest changes to retirement planning in decades. While most people think it only affects their retirement accounts or may not even know about these changes at all,…
Accidental Death at 39: Here’s What You Need to Know
By Tammy Silvas • December 15, 2025
Accidental Death at 39: Here’s What You Need to Know Michael Duarte had everything to live for. At 39, the popular food influencer was building his brand, sharing recipes with millions of followers, and raising his 6-year-old daughter Oakle…
Caring for Aging Parents: How to Protect Relationships and Plan Ahead
By Tammy Silvas • December 8, 2025
Caring for Aging Parents: How to Protect Relationships and Plan Ahead When adult siblings come together to care for aging parents, something unexpected often happens. Instead of bringing families closer, the experience frequently exposes ol…
The White Elephant Gift Nobody Wants: Family Conflict
By Tammy Silvas • December 1, 2025
The White Elephant Gift Nobody Wants: Family Conflict We've all been there. The holiday White Elephant gift exchange starts out fun and lighthearted. But then Uncle Jim steals the massage gun he bought in hopes of winning it for himself. Th…
How to Talk to Your Loved Ones About Death, Money, and Estate Planning at the Holidays
By Tammy Silvas • November 24, 2025
How to Talk to Your Loved Ones About Death, Money, and Estate Planning at the Holidays When you’re ready to finally put an estate plan in place, it’s natural to feel excited and relieved. You’re taking a powerful step to protect your family…
What to Do When You’re Ready to Create Your Estate Plan but Your Spouse Isn’t
By Tammy Silvas • November 17, 2025
What to Do When You’re Ready to Create Your Estate Plan but Your Spouse Isn’t When you’re ready to finally put an estate plan in place, it’s natural to feel excited and relieved. You’re taking a powerful step to protect your family, get org…
Honoring Your Sacrifice: Estate Planning Essentials for Military Families
By Tammy Silvas • November 10, 2025
Honoring Your Sacrifice: Estate Planning Essentials for Military Families Many families focus on building wealth, but fewer think about keeping it. Research shows that a majority of wealthy families lose their wealth by the second generatio…
How to Keep Wealth in Your Family for Generations
By Tammy Silvas • November 3, 2025
How to Keep Wealth in Your Family for Generations You’ve built a life with someone you love - sharing a home, experiences, and maybe even finances - but without legal marriage, the law doesn’t automatically recognize your relationship. That…
Estate Planning for Unmarried Couples: Protecting the Life You’ve Built Together
By Tammy Silvas • October 27, 2025
Estate Planning for Unmarried Couples: Protecting the Life You’ve Built Together October 20–26, 2025, is Estate Planning Awareness Week - a national observance created to encourage Americans to think about what will happen to their loved on…
Estate Planning Awareness Week: Why Planning Is the Greatest Gift You Can Give Your Loved Ones
By Tammy Silvas • October 20, 2025
Estate Planning Awareness Week: Why Planning Is the Greatest Gift You Can Give Your Loved Ones When someone you love dies, grief hits hard enough. But imagine adding legal chaos, confusing paperwork, and no one to guide you through it all.…
Why It Matters to Your Loved Ones That You Work With the Right Lawyer
By Tammy Silvas • October 13, 2025
Why It Matters to Your Loved Ones That You Work With the Right Lawyer A typical initial consultation with an estate planning lawyer may look like this: you meet, you answer questions about your family and assets, and the lawyer tells you wh…
Why You Don’t Want an Initial Consultation, But a Life & Legacy Planning® Session Instead
By Tammy Silvas • October 6, 2025
Why You Don’t Want an Initial Consultation, But a Life & Legacy Planning® Session Instead If you are like most people, you probably assume that when the time comes, someone—your spouse, your children, or maybe a close friend—will be there t…
The End of the Federal Non-Compete Ban: What It Means for Your Business
By Tammy Silvas • September 29, 2025
The End of the Federal Non-Compete Ban: What It Means for Your Business For years, business owners have been watching the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) try to ban non-compete agreements nationwide. That effort is now officially over. On Se…
The Hidden Risks of Growing Older Without a Life & Legacy Plan
By Tammy Silvas • September 29, 2025
The Hidden Risks of Growing Older Without a Life & Legacy Plan If you are like most people, you probably assume that when the time comes, someone—your spouse, your children, or maybe a close friend—will be there to take care of you. But the…
Do You Know What Would Happen to Your Business If You Die Tomorrow?
By Tammy Silvas • September 25, 2025
Do You Know What Would Happen to Your Business If You Die Tomorrow? When you started your business, you probably focused on growth, clients, and revenue. And that makes sense—those things pay the bills. But if you’ve overlooked the foundati…
Living With Loss: The Daily Impact of Grief and the Gift of Planning Ahead
By Tammy Silvas • September 22, 2025
Living With Loss: The Daily Impact of Grief and the Gift of Planning Ahead Losing someone you love reshapes your world in ways you may never expect. Some changes are obvious—you no longer share birthdays, dinners, or conversations. But the…
The 4 Hidden Risks in Your Business (And How to Fix Them Before They Cost You Everything)
By Tammy Silvas • September 15, 2025
The 4 Hidden Risks in Your Business (And How to Fix Them Before They Cost You Everything) When you started your business, you probably focused on growth, clients, and revenue. And that makes sense—those things pay the bills. But if you’ve o…
The Surprising Connection Between Meal Planning and Estate Planning Done the Right Way
By Tammy Silvas • September 15, 2025
The Surprising Connection Between Meal Planning and Estate Planning Done the Right Way My colleague told me a story recently. Her son moved into his first apartment at college and had to go grocery shopping on his own for the first time. Af…
How to Make Networking Nourishing, Fun, and Effective
By Tammy Silvas • September 8, 2025
How to Make Networking Nourishing, Fun, and Effective Picture this: You're checking emails at midnight, haven't had a real vacation in two years, and the last time you exercised was... well, you can't even remember. If this sounds familiar,…
Don’t Lose Your Family Stories: How to Preserve Your Legacy Before It’s Too Late
By Tammy Silvas • September 8, 2025
Don’t Lose Your Family Stories: How to Preserve Your Legacy Before It’s Too Late A client once told me she would give anything to hear her grandmother’s voice again. Her grandmother had been the heart of the family—the one who told stories…
The Wake-Up Call: Why Business Owner Burnout Is a Silent Success Killer
By Tammy Silvas • September 2, 2025
The Wake-Up Call: Why Business Owner Burnout Is a Silent Success Killer Picture this: You're checking emails at midnight, haven't had a real vacation in two years, and the last time you exercised was... well, you can't even remember. If thi…
The $1.5 Million Estate Planning Mistake You Can't Afford to Make
By Tammy Silvas • September 2, 2025
The $1.5 Million Estate Planning Mistake You Can't Afford to Make Picture this: You and your spouse spend decades building a successful business, accumulating assets, and creating a stable life for your family. You think you've done everyth…
How Forward-Thinking Business Owners Pay Less Taxes
By Tammy Silvas • August 25, 2025
How Forward-Thinking Business Owners Pay Less Taxes Many business owners think about taxes only when it's time to file their returns. They gather receipts, download bank statements, and rush to meet the April deadline. Sound familiar? This…
When Every Dollar Counts: How Labor Day Reminds Us That Life & Legacy Planning Is More Essential Than Ever
By Tammy Silvas • August 25, 2025
When Every Dollar Counts: How Labor Day Reminds Us That Life & Legacy Planning Is More Essential Than Ever Labor Day has always been about honoring the American worker—the people who build our communities, power our economy, and create the…
8 Business Strategies for Managing Difficult Clients Like a Pro - Part 2
By Tammy Silvas • August 18, 2025
8 Business Strategies for Managing Difficult Clients Like a Pro - Part 2 In Part 1 of this series, we explored how clear expectations, solid contracts, smart collections, and dispute resolution systems can help you avoid most client issues.…
When Fame Can't Fix Family: What Hulk Hogan's Estate Teaches Us About Failed Planning
By Tammy Silvas • August 18, 2025
When Fame Can't Fix Family: What Hulk Hogan's Estate Teaches Us About Failed Planning When wrestling legend Hulk Hogan died at age 71, the world lost an icon. But behind the headlines about his estimated $25 million estate and decades of wr…
8 Business Strategies for Managing Difficult Clients Like a Pro - Part 1
By Tammy Silvas • August 11, 2025
8 Business Strategies for Managing Difficult Clients Like a Pro - Part 1 You work hard to deliver a great service. Most of your clients appreciate that. But every business eventually faces a difficult client—the one who blows up your inbox…
Why Estate Documents Fail: The Hidden Truth About Traditional Estate Planning
By Tammy Silvas • August 11, 2025
Why Estate Documents Fail: The Hidden Truth About Traditional Estate Planning You hired a lawyer, signed your estate planning documents, and filed them safely away. Or maybe your financial advisor created your documents, or you might have d…
Why Your Business Needs a Legal Advisor, Not Just a Lawyer
By Tammy Silvas • August 6, 2025
Why Your Business Needs a Legal Advisor, Not Just a Lawyer You're building something meaningful. Your business is growing and opportunities are emerging faster than you can keep up. But with new opportunities comes new risk. When legal ques…
“It Has Been Such a Good Life”: The Legacy Your Loved Ones Need
By Tammy Silvas • August 2, 2025
“It Has Been Such a Good Life”: The Legacy Your Loved Ones Need When Anna Harp lost her father, Rudolph Clausing , she didn’t get to say goodbye. It was January 2021, during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Her dad had been battling lun…
The Cost of a Bad Hire: How to Build Systems That Protect Your Business
By Tammy Silvas • July 28, 2025
The Cost of a Bad Hire: How to Build Systems That Protect Your Business When you're running a business, every hire feels critical. You need talent that fuels growth, not drains resources or derails progress. Yet, a staggering 75% of employe…
Nobody Prepared Me for This! The Reality of Managing Inherited Real Estate
By Tammy Silvas • July 28, 2025
Nobody Prepared Me for This! The Reality of Managing Inherited Real Estate You've just lost someone important to you, and now you're responsible for their home. Maybe it's sitting empty while you figure out what to do next. Maybe you're pla…
7 Legal Mistakes That Could Destroy Your Business (And How to Avoid Them): Part 2 of 2
By Tammy Silvas • July 21, 2025
7 Legal Mistakes That Could Destroy Your Business (And How to Avoid Them): Part 2 of 2 Welcome back to our exploration of the seven legal mistakes that could destroy everything you've worked to build. In Part 1, I covered four fundamental l…
100 Heirs, $17 Billion, and 1 Big Estate Plan: What You Can Learn from a Tech Billionaire
By Tammy Silvas • July 21, 2025
100 Heirs, $17 Billion, and 1 Big Estate Plan: What You Can Learn from a Tech Billionaire Imagine you’re worth $17 billion and have over 100 biological children—some born through relationships, others through anonymous sperm donations. What…
7 Legal Mistakes That Could Destroy Your Business (And How to Avoid Them): Part 1 of 2
By Tammy Silvas • July 14, 2025
7 Legal Mistakes That Could Destroy Your Business (And How to Avoid Them): Part 1 of 2 You've poured your heart, soul, and savings into building your business. You've worked countless hours, made sacrifices, and overcome numerous challenges…
The Life-or-Death Decisions Your Family Shouldn't Have to Make Alone
By Tammy Silvas • July 14, 2025
The Life-or-Death Decisions Your Family Shouldn't Have to Make Alone When you think about estate planning, you probably picture wills, trusts, and who gets what. But what happens when decisions are made about your body, without your full co…
Business in the Age of AI: Why You Still Need Strategy, Oversight, and a Trusted Guide
By Tammy Silvas • July 7, 2025
Business in the Age of AI: Why You Still Need Strategy, Oversight, and a Trusted Guide Artificial intelligence is changing the way we work, and fast . From automated emails to AI-generated contracts and marketing content, business owners ar…
When Paradise Turns to Pain: Jimmy Buffett's Estate Battle
By Tammy Silvas • July 7, 2025
When Paradise Turns to Pain: Jimmy Buffett's Estate Battle Jimmy Buffett built an empire around the laid-back "Margaritaville" lifestyle, but his $275 million estate has become anything but relaxing for his family. The legendary singer's wi…
5 Myths About Intellectual Property That Could Cost Your Business
By Tammy Silvas • July 1, 2025
5 Myths About Intellectual Property That Could Cost Your Business You've built something special. Maybe it's an innovative product, a recognizable brand, or a unique process that sets you apart from competitors. But dangerous misconceptions…
Life, Liberty, and Legacy: How Life & Legacy Planning Promotes Independence
By Tammy Silvas • July 1, 2025
Life, Liberty, and Legacy: How Life & Legacy Planning Promotes Independence Every Fourth of July, we celebrate more than fireworks and barbecues. We honor the bold vision of people who refused to accept the status quo and instead created a…
How to Fund Your Business When You Have a Low Credit Score
By Tammy Silvas • June 23, 2025
How to Fund Your Business When You Have a Low Credit Score You’ve got a big idea. You’ve done the research, you know your market, and you’re ready to build a business that solves a real problem. But one thing keeps getting in the way: your…
A Texas Mail Carrier's Act of Love Shows Why Your Pets Need a Plan Too
By Tammy Silvas • June 23, 2025
A Texas Mail Carrier's Act of Love Shows Why Your Pets Need a Plan Too When Ian Burke, a mail carrier from Destin, Texas , heard that Floyd—a 70-pound dog he'd befriended on his delivery route—had ended up in a shelter after his owner's dea…
THREE Essential documents for your High School Graduate
By Tammy Silvas • June 19, 2025
Preparing your graduate, "your legal adult" to leave the nest. The rules have changed. With the arrival of summer, young people across the country are about to reach a key milestone: high school graduation. If you have a child claiming thei…
How Authentic Relating Can Save Your Business From Costly Conflicts
By Tammy Silvas • June 16, 2025
How Authentic Relating Can Save Your Business From Costly Conflicts Running a business means dealing with people, and dealing with people means navigating the messy, complicated world of human relationships. You've probably experienced it f…
How Small Businesses Can Offer Great Healthcare Benefits Without Going Broke
By Tammy Silvas • June 12, 2025
How Small Businesses Can Offer Great Healthcare Benefits Without Going Broke Traditional group health insurance premiums have skyrocketed, with small businesses paying an average of $8,951 per employee in 2024 , according to the Kaiser Fami…
This Father’s Day Take Your Provision One Step Further
By Tammy Silvas • June 10, 2025
This Father’s Day Take Your Provision One Step Further Father's Day arrives each June filled with barbecues, baseball games, and heartfelt cards celebrating the dads who shape our lives. While ties and tool sets make thoughtful gifts, what…
Gene Hackman's Estate: A Wake-Up Call
By Tammy Silvas • June 2, 2025
Gene Hackman's Estate: A Wake-Up Call The recent passing of legendary actor Gene Hackman has revealed a complicated estate situation that serves as a powerful warning for everyone - married couples especially - regardless of your net worth.…
Business Lessons from Bankruptcy: Famous Failures That Led to Billion-Dollar Comebacks
By Tammy Silvas • June 2, 2025
Business Lessons from Bankruptcy: Famous Failures That Led to Billion-Dollar Comebacks When we hear "bankruptcy," most of us immediately think "failure." But for some of the world's most successful entrepreneurs, bankruptcy wasn't the end—i…
Warning! Your Business Financial Systems Need an Upgrade
By Tammy Silvas • May 27, 2025
Warning! Your Business Financial Systems Need an Upgrade Do you ever feel as if your business finances are a black box that only your bookkeeper understands? Or perhaps your financial reports always arrive late, making it impossible to make…
The Missing Will Mystery: How Zappos CEO’s Estate Chaos Could Have Been Avoided
By Tammy Silvas • May 27, 2025
The Missing Will Mystery: How Zappos CEO’s Estate Chaos Could Have Been Avoided Imagine this: You've built a business empire worth hundreds of millions of dollars, transformed a city's downtown area, and touched countless lives with your vi…
Beyond Remembrance: How Memorial Day Can Inspire Leaving Your Own Legacy
By Tammy Silvas • May 19, 2025
Beyond Remembrance: How Memorial Day Can Inspire Leaving Your Own Legacy Memorial Day isn’t just about barbeques or pool parties. It’s a day to collectively pause and honor the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for our fre…
The Basics of Intellectual Property Every Business Owner Should Know
By Tammy Silvas • May 19, 2025
The Basics of Intellectual Property Every Business Owner Should Know Navigating the world of intellectual property (IP) can feel overwhelming, but understanding these fundamental legal protections is crucial for your business success. Wheth…
The BYOD Dilemma: Protecting Business Data When Employees Use Personal Devices
By Tammy Silvas • May 12, 2025
The BYOD Dilemma: Protecting Business Data When Employees Use Personal Devices The line between personal and professional lives has never been blurrier. With many employees now using their personal smartphones to check work emails, access c…
Why Business Owners Deserve More Than an Easy or Cheap Estate Plan
By Tammy Silvas • May 12, 2025
Why Business Owners Deserve More Than an Easy or Cheap Estate Plan Picture this: you've just set up your estate plan using a quick and easy online DIY form or a budget-friendly legal service. Or, maybe your financial advisor drafted it for…
LIFT: The Four Pillars to Secure the Foundation of Your Business Success
By Tammy Silvas • May 7, 2025
LIFT: The Four Pillars to Secure the Foundation of Your Business Success Have you ever tried to build a sandcastle too close to the water's edge? No matter how intricate your design or how carefully you craft each tower, the tide inevitably…
A Mother's Legacy: Estate Planning as Your Greatest Expression of Love
By Tammy Silvas • May 5, 2025
A Mother's Legacy: Estate Planning as Your Greatest Expression of Love When we think about Mother's Day, we often picture breakfast in bed, handmade cards, and bouquets of fresh flowers. But what if there was a way for mom to express her lo…
Different Minds, Better Business: How Neurodivergent Entrepreneurs Can Leverage Their Strengths
By Tammy Silvas • May 1, 2025
Different Minds, Better Business: How Neurodivergent Entrepreneurs Can Leverage Their Strengths Meet Jane, a creative entrepreneur with dreams as vibrant as the art she sells. Like many neurodivergent individuals, Jane found traditional bus…
The Death Tax Repeal Act of 2025: What It Could Mean for You and Your Loved Ones
By Tammy Silvas • April 29, 2025
The Death Tax Repeal Act of 2025: What It Could Mean for You and Your Loved Ones Have you ever worked your entire life to build something valuable, only to worry about a significant portion being taken away after your death, and before it g…
Business Owner Burnout: Legal and Financial Strategies to Protect Your Company When You Need a Break
By Tammy Silvas • April 23, 2025
Business Owner Burnout: Legal and Financial Strategies to Protect Your Company When You Need a Break Many entrepreneurs pride themselves on their resilience and drive, often working tirelessly to build their businesses from the ground up. H…
10 Guardian Mistakes That Could Put Your Kids at Risk (And How to Do It Right)
By Tammy Silvas • April 21, 2025
10 Guardian Mistakes That Could Put Your Kids at Risk (And How to Do It Right) Imagine this: something unexpected happens, and you're suddenly unable to care for your children. It's a parent's worst nightmare. In this situation, you'd want…
The $700 Million Mistake: Why an Asset Inventory Is an Essential Part of Your Estate Plan
By Tammy Silvas • April 14, 2025
"James Howells has been fighting for years to recover an old hard drive with his Bitcoin key to access his fortune." Imagine accidentally throwing away $700 million. While it sounds like the plot of a movie, this nightmare scenario has beco…
Beyond the FDIC Safety Net: Protecting Your Cash When Your Savings Exceed Insurance Limits
By Tammy Silvas • March 25, 2025
"FDIC insurance isn't just a simple blanket coverage of $250,000 per person. It's actually more nuanced and potentially more generous than many realize. The coverage extends to $250,000 per depositor, per FDIC-insured bank, for each account…
Til Death Do Us Part? Why Unmarried Couples Must Have An Estate Plan That Works For the People They Love
By Tammy Silvas • March 18, 2025
Love in the 21st century takes many forms, and for a growing number of couples, "forever" doesn't always include a marriage license. While a deeply personal choice, being unmarried adds layers of legal and financial complexity that can't be…
Planning a Trip? Protect Your Children with a Kids Protection PlanⓇ
By Tammy Silvas • March 10, 2025
When you're caught up in vacation planning excitement, it's easy to focus only on the fun ahead. However, traveling presents unique risks and scenarios you need to consider. As Spring Break approaches, followed by summer, you're likely focu…
Estate Planning During Divorce: Lessons from Shannen Doherty's Legacy
By Tammy Silvas • February 25, 2025
"Doherty not only faced a courageous and public battle with breast cancer but also raced against time to finalize her divorce and protect her estate." The July 2024 passing of beloved Gen X actress Shannen Doherty offers important lessons a…
The Unexpected Challenges of Being an Estate Executor
By Tammy Silvas • February 18, 2025
"Understanding these challenges now can help you better prepare." When someone asks you to be the executor of their estate, it might seem like a straightforward responsibility - distribute assets according to their will and handle some pape…
The Valentine's Gift That Truly Matters
By Tammy Silvas • February 12, 2025
"A way to show your love that lasts far longer than roses ." As Valentine's Day approaches, you might be thinking about flowers, chocolates, or a romantic dinner. And hey, those are all great (who doesn’t love a little chocolate?). But what…
Trusts & Homeowner’s Insurance: What You Need to Know So You Don’t Get a Claim Denied In the Future
By Tammy Silvas • February 4, 2025
"...many people don't realize that placing their home in a trust requires updating their homeowner's insurance policy." When you create an estate plan that includes a living trust, you've taken an essential step toward protecting your hom…
National Unclaimed Property Day: Why Estate Planning is More Than Just Documents
By Tammy Silvas • January 29, 2025
"There is a staggering $60 billion in forgotten and abandoned assets currently held by state governments across America." Every year on February 1st, we observe National Unclaimed Property Day - a reminder of the staggering $60 billion in…
From Preparation to Recovery: When Disaster Strikes
By Tammy Silvas • January 21, 2025
"....being ready to act can make all the difference for you and your loved ones." When disaster strikes, time is your most precious resource. Whether it’s a wildfire, hurricane, or flood, being ready to act can make all the difference for…
4 Estate Planning Myths That Put Your Loved Ones at Risk
By Tammy Silvas • January 14, 2025
"The Caring.com survey revealed that only 32% of Americans have a will." Surveys conducted in 2024 by Caring.com and Ameriprise Financial revealed a troubling trend: Americans are falling behind on estate planning. The Caring.com survey r…
Five Essential Steps to Protect Your Loved Ones in 2025
By Tammy Silvas • January 7, 2025
"You know that uneasy feeling when you think about what everyone you love would do..." You know that uneasy feeling when you think about what everyone you love would do, if (and when) something happens to you? That nagging voice reminding y…
Actions to Take Before 2024 Ends to Qualify for Specific Tax Credits
By Tammy Silvas • December 30, 2024
"...it’s also a time to set yourself up for credits and deductions." The end of the year can feel overwhelming, but it’s also a time to set yourself up for credits and deductions that can put real money back in your pocket come tax time thi…
Year-End Options for Giving to Charity
By Tammy Silvas • December 27, 2024
"...thoughtful charitable planning can maximize your impact while potentially providing tax benefits for your heirs." The desire to make a difference doesn't end when we're gone. For many people, incorporating charitable giving into their e…
Common Estate Planning Questions Part 2 of 2
By Tammy Silvas • December 17, 2024
"...the options can feel overwhelming." When it comes to planning for your family's future, the options can feel overwhelming. Should you get a will? Create a trust? And what happens if you do nothing at all? These aren't just academic ques…
Estate Planning in Times of Change Part 1 of 2
By Tammy Silvas • December 10, 2024
"Understanding how accounts are titled and who has access to them isn't just about convenience." When it comes to estate planning, I get many questions about many topics. One of the most common questions I hear concerns account ownership an…
Estate Planning in Times of Change: Part 1 of 2
By Tammy Silvas • December 4, 2024
"...the estate planning landscape is shifting beneath our feet ." With a new presidential administration onboarding, the estate planning landscape is shifting beneath our feet. If you've been waiting for the "right time" to create or update…
Lessons from Tony Bennett's Estate Battle
By Tammy Silvas • November 27, 2024
"Tony Bennett passed away in July 2023, ... unfortunately, a family divide threatened to tarnish his legacy." When legendary singer Tony Bennett passed away in July 2023, he left behind an estimated $100 million estate and, unfortunately, a…
Beyond the Turkey: How Thanksgiving Can Inspire Your Family Legacy Planning
By Tammy Silvas • November 19, 2024
"This cherished holiday offers something even more valuable." As Thanksgiving approaches, many families are busy planning menus, coordinating travel, and preparing for the big feast. While the turkey, stuffing, and pumpkin pie are important…
The Hidden Truth About Settling a Loved One’s Estate
By Tammy Silvas • November 12, 2024
"Executor: An honor that can be an demanding part-time or full-time job." When someone names you as their executor, it might feel like an honor – a sign that they trust you to handle their final affairs. However, what many people don't real…
Veterans: Your Legacy is Worth Protecting
By Tammy Silvas • November 5, 2024
"Your military service demonstrated a profound commitment to protecting America's future – and now it's time to protect your family's future." As we approach Veterans Day, we pause to honor the brave men and women who have served our nation…
Shelley Duvall and What We Can All Learn From Her Death
By Tammy Silvas • October 29, 2024
"Duvall’s death left behind unresolved legal matters" Shelley Duvall, best known for her role as Wendy Torrance in The Shining , passed away recently at the age of 75. While her acting legacy continues to captivate fans, her passing reveals…
Common Estate Planning Myths Debunked
By Tammy Silvas • October 22, 2024
"It's time to shed light on this often misunderstood, and frequently avoided topic" October 21-27 is National Estate Planning Awareness Week, which means it's time to shed light on this often misunderstood and frequently avoided topic. You…
A Comprehensive Guide to Disaster Preparedness
By Tammy Silvas • October 16, 2024
"...natural disasters and unforeseen events can disrupt our lives at a moment's notice..." In today's world, where natural disasters and unforeseen events can disrupt our lives at a moment's notice, preparedness is no longer a luxury; it’s…
Navigating End-of-Life Care: Lessons from a Daughter's Tragic Experience
By Tammy Silvas • October 9, 2024
"In an aging society, you might find yourself facing difficult end-of-life decisions for your loved ones sooner than you expect." In an aging society, you might find yourself facing difficult end-of-life decisions for your loved ones sooner…
A Power of Attorney May Not Be What You Think
By Tammy Silvas • October 2, 2024
"What is a power of attorney? Is it dangerous? Is there more than one type?" If you've ever considered planning for your future or helped someone plan for theirs, you've probably heard the term "power of attorney." But do you really know wh…
Preventing Family Feuds Over Your Personal Belongings
By Tammy Silvas • September 24, 2024
"The passing of a loved one is a heartbreaking event, filled with grief and sorrow. But the aftermath can become even more painful... " The passing of a loved one is a heartbreaking event, filled with grief and sorrow. But the aftermath can…
Matthew Perry's Estate Plan Demonstrates the Benefits of Trusts
By Tammy Silvas • September 17, 2024
"As details of Matthew Perry's estate began to emerge, a curious puzzle presented itself." When Matthew Perry, the beloved star of Friends , passed away last year, the world mourned the loss of a comedic icon. However, as details of his est…
What Do Lasagna and Estate Planning Have in Common?
By Tammy Silvas • September 10, 2024
"Have you ever heard horror stories about families fighting over Grandma's jewelry or getting stuck in a never-ending legal battle after someone passes away??" Have you ever heard horror stories about families fighting over Grandma's jewelr…
3 Questions to Ask Yourself Before Creating Your Estate Plan With AI
By Tammy Silvas • September 3, 2024
"Have you jumped on the AI bandwagon yet? " Have you jumped on the AI bandwagon yet? If so, you’ve probably used it to make your life easier. AI can be incredibly helpful, especially when the stakes are low. Need a personalized meal plan or…
Labor Day Reflections and Your Legacy
By Tammy Silvas • August 28, 2024
"Remember when - In the Thick of it - What happens NEXT?" Labor Day, observed in the United States on the first Monday in September, is not only the unofficial end of summer but also a celebration of the contributions and achievements of Am…
How Beneficiary Designations Put Your Family at Risk
By Tammy Silvas • August 20, 2024
"...she found $23,000 in unclaimed property from her deceased parents." You've worked hard to build your assets and secure your family's future. Like many responsible adults, you've named beneficiaries on your retirement accounts, life insu…
Would $23,000 Make a Difference to You?
By Tammy Silvas • August 13, 2024
"...she found $23,000 in unclaimed property from her deceased parents." Imagine discovering thousands of dollars that belong to you, only to be told you can't have it. This frustrating scenario became a reality for a woman named Dale Benero…
Would You Make This Million Dollar Mistake?
By Tammy Silvas • August 6, 2024
"Imagine this: You're in your twenties, just starting your career." Imagine this: You're in your twenties, just starting your career. You fill out a form at work, naming your live-in significant other as the beneficiary of your retirement a…
Celebrity Estate Plans Series Part 4 of 4: Elvis and the Scammers
By Tammy Silvas • July 30, 2024
"... a recent case involving Graceland shows how bold scammers can be." For the last few weeks, we’ve discussed celebrities and how they planned for their deaths. We started with the King of Pop, Michael Jackson, so ending our 4-part series…
Celebrity Estate Plans Series Part 3 of 4: Jay Leno’s Case is No Laughing Matter
By Tammy Silvas • July 23, 2024
"...a topic that no one wants to think about as it may seem to be a fate worse than death: incapacity. " For the last two weeks, we’ve discussed celebrities and how they planned (or didn’t!) for their deaths. In this third installment of ou…
Celebrity Estate Plans Series Part 2 of 4: Vanilla Ice Has Thoughts
By Tammy Silvas • July 16, 2024
"Vanilla Ice chimes in with his estate planning experience, advice, and lessons learned..." This week, we’re continuing to look at the lives of 4 celebrities and how they’re preparing for the inevitable (or didn’t!). Last week, we examined…
Celebrity Estate Plans Series Part 1 of 4: Michael Jackson
By Tammy Silvas • July 11, 2024
"What is it about celebrities that always draws us in? " For whatever reason, we just can’t resist a good, juicy celebrity story. Maybe it’s because we can relate in some way, or maybe we feel like we can’t relate and that’s what makes cele…
Value Freedom? Here’s Why an Estate Plan Is Your Declaration of Independence
By Tammy Silvas • July 2, 2024
"As you celebrate the Fourth of July and all it represents - freedom, independence, and the pursuit of happiness..." take pride in the ultimate American liberty: the right to decide your own affairs, even after death or in the event of inca…
The Surprising Connection Between Men’s Health and Estate Planning
By Tammy Silvas • June 25, 2024
"JUNE...a time dedicated to raising awareness about health issues predominantly affecting men..." June marks Men’s Health Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about health issues predominantly affecting men and encouraging the early…
They’re Not Kids Anymore! Navigating Your Child’s Transition Into Adulthood
By Tammy Silvas • June 18, 2024
"When your child turns 18, they’re legally considered an adult even though..." they have a lot more growing to do (though they may not think so!). Just like any other adult, their health and financial information is protected by privacy law…
Father Knows Best: Avoiding Common Estate Planning Pitfalls
By Tammy Silvas • June 11, 2024
"If you’re a father, you've always strived to provide the best for your family, " ensuring their well-being and securing their future. However, even the most well-intentioned plans can falter if you overlook the complexities of estate plann…
10 Steps to Take Now to Secure a Comfortable Retirement: Part 1
By Tammy Silvas • June 4, 2024
"Retirement is more than just an end to the working years; " It's an exciting new phase of life that requires thoughtful preparation and strategic planning. Since May is Older Americans Awareness Month, it's the perfect opportunity to explo…
Memorial Day Reflections: Crafting Your Lasting Legacy With Estate Planning
By Tammy Silvas • May 29, 2024
"Memorial Day brings with it an opportunity to reflect on the concepts of mortality, remembrance, and legacy. " This week as we remember the brave men and women who lost their lives serving in the military, may this day also inspire you to…
The Dark Side of the Internet: Protect Yourself From Online Scams and Digital Attacks
By Tammy Silvas • May 22, 2024
"In the digital age, online scams and cyber attacks are becoming more frequent," posing risks to not only everyday users but also to lawyers who manage clients’ sensitive information. But there’s no need to fear if you take measures to keep…
May Graduations - It's time to plan for our kids!
By Tammy Silvas • May 19, 2024
"This month, I want to say congratulations to all of our high school graduates! " It’s hard to believe that your baby has already graduated high school and is starting their adult life! Where do the years go? And while they’ll always be you…
Estate Planning: A Gift of Peace and Power for Every Mother
By Tammy Silvas • May 14, 2024
"Moms spend their days and nights thinking about how to make sure their children are happy, healthy, and safe" If you’re a mom, you know. If you aren’t a mom, you were born because of a mom. It’s one of the two things we all have in common.…
What Happens To Your Social Media Account When You Die?
By Tammy Silvas • May 4, 2024
"When you die, what happens to your online life?" Each social media platform has its own rules for dealing with the accounts of deceased users, ranging from permanent deletion to transforming accounts into places for mourning and memory. Un…
Why Estate Planning Is the Best Use of Your Tax Refund
By Tammy Silvas • May 1, 2024
"When that extra bit of money from your tax refund lands in your bank account, (kinda feels like Christmas, doesn’t it?)" It is easy to start dreaming about all the ways you can use it. Financial experts may tell you that it's a chance to p…
Navigating the World of Cryptocurrency: A Guide for Parents and Teens
By Tammy Silvas • April 21, 2024
"In an era where digital innovation shapes every aspect of our lives, it's no surprise that our teenagers are drawn to the allure of cryptocurrency." This digital form of money represents a shift away from traditional financial systems. If…
ESTATE PLANNING FOR A CHILD WITH SPECIAL NEEDS: WHAT PARENTS NEED TO KNOW
By Tammy Silvas • April 16, 2024
"Estate planning is an obvious concern for all parents, but if you have a child with special needs , it’s crucial that you are aware of the unique considerations that go into planning for a child." Estate planning is an obvious concern for…
How DIY Wills and Trusts Offer a False Sense of Security … and May Leave Your Family With an Expensive Mess
By Tammy Silvas • April 10, 2024
"What these websites won’t do, however, is explain the potential consequences that can happen if you use one of their services." If you’ve been traveling around the sun for a while, you’ve no doubt heard of a Will, a document that says what…
3 Estate Planning Documents Your Parents Need Right Now
By Tammy Silvas • March 30, 2024
What " ALL of you" need to know. Today, we're diving into a topic that is absolutely crucial: estate planning for your parents. As they gracefully navigate their golden years, ensuring their peace of mind (and yours!) becomes a top priority…
Why Relying on Legal Templates Instead of Lawyers Will Leave You With a Mess
By Tammy Silvas • March 16, 2024
The online templates are so tempting...won't they work? In the urgency of protecting your family, it's easy to get caught up in the excitement and innovation that fuel your days. Amidst this buzz, it's tempting to look for shortcuts, especi…
14 Ways to Show Your Finances Some Love This Year - Part 2
By Tammy Silvas • March 12, 2024
Let's catch up... Last week we explored 7 ways to show your finances and your family some love with smart, tax-advantaged financial tips for the new year: Make a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) Front-load Your 401(k) Contributions S…
14 Ways to Show Your Finances Some Love This Year - Part 1
By Tammy Silvas • March 3, 2024
It's time to show your finances some love... thought thoughtful financial planning. Now I know what you’re thinking – that doesn’t sound as fun or showy as a fancy night, a bouquet of flowers, or even a night in with Netflix. But trust me,…
This New Law Makes It Easier to Save for Retirement and Pay Off School Loans At The Same Time
By Tammy Silvas • February 19, 2024
Navigating your financial journey with the heavy burden of student loan debt on your back can feel overwhelming... You're faced with a critical decision: should you prioritize paying down those loans, or should you focus on the future, cont…
Want to Show Your Partner How Much You Love Them? Put Them In Your Will
By Tammy Silvas • February 10, 2024
Love is undoubtedly the most profound and cherished thread that weaves us all together... and there are many different ways to express our love to the people who mean the most to us. Often when we think of showing our love, we think of bouq…
2 Conversations About Money and Death You Need to Have With Your Parents Right Now
By Tammy Silvas • February 7, 2024
Some talks are worth it... If you’ve given any thought about estate planning, you probably associate it with preparing for death. But did you know that there are critical reasons (and significant benefits) for planning while you’re still we…
Protecting Your Family's Safety Net: How to Set Up Your Life Insurance Policy The Right Way
By Tammy Silvas • January 29, 2024
The Right "Beneficiary Designations" matter! A comprehensive Life & Legacy Plan is about creating a strategy that lets you enjoy your life to the fullest while protecting your loved ones' future when you can no longer be there. It might see…
This Change to The FAFSA Rules Could Help Your Grandkids Qualify for More Student Aid
By Tammy Silvas • January 17, 2024
Want to contribute to your grandchild’s future college education? The FAFSA Simplification Act, which went into effect last month, now makes it possible for grandparents to do even more to help finance their grandchild’s education. In the p…
Your Most Important New Year's Resolution: A Kids Protection Plan
By Tammy Silvas • January 17, 2024
As we welcome the New Year, filled with hope and resolutions for a brighter future, if you have minor children or grandchildren, put this commitment at the top of your list– a Kids Protection Plan®. Even if you have already named legal guar…
Hiring a Lawyer: What Flat Fees, Hourly Fees and Retainer Billing Could Mean For Your Life and Family
By Tammy Silvas • January 1, 2024
Trying to find the right lawyer to help with legal matters, especially if you are under the gun in a crisis situation... but even if you aren’t, can often feel like navigating uncharted waters. You want to find an attorney you like who will…
MOVING TO A NEW STATE? Remember to update your Estate Plan
By Tammy Silvas • December 27, 2023
Although you likely won’t need to have an entirely new estate plan prepared for you... upon relocating to another state, you should definitely have your existing plan reviewed by an estate planning lawyer who is familiar with your new home…
What Caregivers Need to Know About Estate Planning for a Loved One With Dementia - Part 2
By Tammy Silvas • December 26, 2023
Last week, we started our discussion on estate planning for a loved one with a dementia diagnosis [https://www.silvaslaw.com/what-caregivers-need-to-know-part-1] and what this means for their ability to protect their wishes through an estat…
What Caregivers Need to Know About Estate Planning for a Loved One With Dementia - Part 1
By Tammy Silvas • December 19, 2023
Caring for a loved one with dementia is a challenge that millions of families undertake each year. As a caregiver, understanding how a dementia diagnosis affects your loved one’s legal decision-making is crucial to ensuring their wishes are…
Have Unused 529 College Savings? - You have new options
By Tammy Silvas • December 5, 2023
In December 2022, Congress passed the SECURE 2.0 Act, bringing significant changes to the world of retirement savings and student loans. Two key parts of the Secure 2.0 Act are set to take effect in 2024, and they could substantially impact…
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