Another gorgeous fall weekend and another fall festival. We carved our pumpkins and made jack-o-lanterns for our front steps. We are excited for a fun Halloween week.

Mondays for Moms: Mental health and estate planning are two topics we don't discuss enough. Actor Shelley Duvall's death reminds us why planning early is crucial. Shelley Duvall, best known for her role as Wendy Torrance in The Shining, passed away recently at the age of 75. I actually remember her best for her introductions to Fairytale Theater that my parents used to tape on our VCR and I would watch over and over. While her acting legacy continues to captivate fans, her passing reveals some important lessons about estate planning that everyone can learn from. In case you haven’t read about what’s happened to her estate since she died, Duvall’s death left behind unresolved legal matters, especially concerning her long-term partner (30 years), Dan Gilroy. Without a will in place, Gilroy is now navigating a complex legal process to inherit a portion of Duvall’s estate (and not just go to her brothers).

Thank you for the Five Star Review!

"Melissa handled the estate planning for our family, she was professional and extremely responsive -always answering any questions I had in a timely manner." - Chris G.



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Did you know?

Whether you're married, single, or in a long-term partnership, having an estate plan saves your loved ones from confusion, frustration, and heartache.📜 No estate plan? A stranger (a judge) will decide what happens to your money. 

WEEKLY FAQ: Why is estate planning particularly important if you don't have children?  

Answer: If you don't have children, your assets may not automatically go to the people you want to have them. Contrary to what you may think, it’s especially important for those who don’t have children, as the distribution of assets can become even more complex. A lot of people are surprised when I tell them a sibling could be their next of kin.