The Trust Dad Blog

Insights, tips, and guidance on estate planning, family protection, and legacy building.

• If Spouses Die Days Apart, Who Inherits? — When spouses die together or only days apart, the order of death can affect who inherits and whether assets pass through one estate or two. Here is how survivorship instructions, state law, trusts, and beneficiary forms fit together. (2026-09-22, by Ian Herrick)
• Your Successful Child May Need an Inheritance Trust — A successful adult child can manage money responsibly and still face professional claims, business obligations, divorce, or other risks. I explain how a continuing trust may protect family wealth without treating a capable adult like a child. (2026-09-14)
• You Have Life Insurance. Does It Still Fit Your Family? — A life insurance policy can remain unchanged while your family, finances, and estate plan move in a different direction. Here’s how to review the coverage, beneficiary form, trust, and people connected to the policy. (2026-09-08)
• Your IRA Trust Could Reach the 37% Tax Bracket at $16,000 — In 2026, estates and trusts enter the 37% federal marginal income-tax bracket once taxable income exceeds $16,000. I explain why that number is a reason to review your IRA, trust, beneficiary form, and family goals — not an automatic reason to remove the trust. (2026-09-01, by Ian Herrick)
• You Made a Will. Here’s What Comes Next — Making a will is an important first step, but it does not address every issue your family may face. Here’s a practical checklist for New York families after signing a will. (2026-08-24, by Ian Herrick)
• When a Prenup Promise Is Never Carried Out — A prenuptial agreement can put important commitments in writing, but those commitments still need to be carried out and reviewed. The Warner lawsuit offers a clear lesson for New York families about keeping a plan connected to real life. (2026-08-16)
• Make-A-Will Month: Why a Will Is Not a Complete Plan — August is Make-A-Will Month, which makes it a useful time to review your documents. But a will alone may not address probate, incapacity, beneficiary designations, or the first 72 hours of care for your children. (2026-08-09)
• Got Retirement Savings? Must Read… — The SECURE Act 2.0 changed key rules for retirement accounts and inherited wealth. Learn how outdated planning can create tax problems for your beneficiaries—and what to review now. (2026-04-28, by Ian Herrick)
• Caring for Aging Parents: How to Protect Relationships and Plan Ahead — Caring for aging parents can reopen old family wounds and strain sibling relationships. Learn how planning ahead can protect your children from confusion, conflict, and resentment later. (2026-03-05, by Ian Herrick)
• How to Keep Wealth in Your Family for Generations — Building generational wealth takes more than smart investments. Learn how thoughtful planning, family communication, and ongoing education can help preserve your legacy for children, grandchildren, and beyond. (2026-02-10, by Ian Herrick)
• Wills vs. Trusts: How to Choose the Right Tool to Protect the People You Love — Wills and trusts serve different purposes, but the real question is whether your plan will work when your family needs it. Learn how to choose the right tools for your goals. (2026-02-10, by Ian Herrick)
• Why So Much Money Ends Up as Unclaimed Property and What That Means for You — Billions of dollars sit with state governments as unclaimed property. Learn how assets get lost, how to search for missing funds, and how planning can keep your property with the people you love. (2026-01-27, by Ian Herrick)
• Frozen Accounts, Court Delays, and Grief: What Happens in the Probate Process — Probate can freeze accounts, delay access to money, and force grieving families into court. Learn what happens in the probate process and how proper planning can help avoid it. (2026-01-19, by Ian Herrick)
• What Happens to All Your Stuff When You Die? (And Why Your Family Is Dreading It) — Your personal belongings can become a burden—or a meaningful gift. Learn how to organize, document, and plan for your possessions so your loved ones are not left guessing. (2026-01-12, by Ian Herrick)
• Accidental Death at 39: Here’s What You Need to Know — Sudden tragedy can leave loved ones grieving and financially overwhelmed. Learn why estate planning matters at every age and how preparation can protect the people who depend on you. (2025-12-15, by Ian Herrick)
• The White Elephant Gift Nobody Wants: Family Conflict — Holiday gift exchanges can be funny. Estate disputes are not. Learn how clear planning can prevent confusion, resentment, and lasting family conflict after you’re gone. (2025-12-03, by Ian Herrick)
• 3 Questions to Ask Yourself Before Creating Your Estate Plan With AI — AI can be helpful, but estate planning is not a one-size-fits-all document task. Learn why your family, assets, values, and legacy deserve personalized guidance—not a quick AI-generated fix. (2025-05-19, by Ian Herrick)
• Would You Make This Million Dollar Mistake? — A forgotten beneficiary designation can override your will, trust, and current wishes. Learn how one outdated form led to a million-dollar mistake—and why regular reviews are essential to protect your loved ones. (2025-05-19, by Ian Herrick)
• Common Estate Planning Questions Part 1 of 2 – On How to Handle Your Assets — Account ownership, beneficiary designations, and asset inventories can determine whether your loved ones receive your assets smoothly—or face probate, conflict, delays, and lost property. Learn the key planning mistakes to avoid and how to keep your assets organized, protected, and headed to the right people. (2025-03-31, by Ian Herrick)
• 4 Estate Planning Myths That Put Your Loved Ones at Risk — Estate planning is not just for the wealthy. Learn how the right plan protects your spouse, children, finances, and loved ones from court, conflict, and unnecessary stress. (2025-01-13, by Ian Herrick)