Hall Legal Services

09/24/2026

When you inherit property encumbered by a mortgage, you also assume responsibility for managing that debt. Understanding mortgage assumption rights, reverse mortgage deadlines, and tax basis step-ups helps protect your estate.

In many situations when a family member passes away, beneficiaries inherit both a home and the mortgage that goes with it.

09/22/2026

What is a revocable living trust, and how does it fit into your estate plan? A trust can help keep your assets organized, avoid probate, and ensure seamless management if you become unable to handle your finances.

A revocable living trust is an arrangement set up through a legal document. The document gives someone the power to make decisions about another person’s money or property that’s held in the trust.

09/17/2026

A last will and testament is a legal document that ensures your personal property, money, and assets are distributed according to your wishes after you pass away. It also allows you to name legal guardians for your minor children and choose an executor to manage your affairs. Without a valid will, state laws determine who inherits your belongings, which may not align with what you intended.

Learn what a last will and testament does, who needs one, how to make a legally valid will, and how it differs from a trust or living will.

09/15/2026

Estate planning allows you to name trusted individuals for important roles before they are ever needed. Setting up documents like a power of attorney and naming account beneficiaries ensures your personal care and financial decisions are handled according to your wishes. Establishing these protections early gives you control over how your assets and healthcare are managed.

Since estate planning can be complex, here’s an overview of 7 things you should know about handling your estate when you die.

09/10/2026

Federal estate tax exemptions set clear boundaries for taxable estates, but state-level inheritance taxes can still impact smaller transfers. Reviewing your estate plan ensures your wealth transfer strategy takes full advantage of available tax exemptions.

The estate exemption amount is significantly higher than last year, creating a potentially promising tax year for inheritances and estates.

09/08/2026

Planning to pass your home down to the next generation? From living trusts to transfer-on-death deeds, structuring real estate transfers properly protects your family's equity and avoids probate delays.

Home equity can be a solid foundation for the building of generational wealth. Here’s how home equity works, and how it can be passed down.

09/03/2026

Choosing the right trust structure depends on your goals for flexibility, tax efficiency, and creditor protection. Exploring how revocable and irrevocable trusts function ensures your assets are managed according to your wishes.

Learn the differences between revocable and irrevocable trusts and how they impact your estate planning.

08/27/2026

A living will ensures your preferences for emergency medical care are clearly documented if you become unable to communicate. Setting up your advance directives early protects your wishes and eases the burden on loved ones. Learn what to include: https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/advance-care-planning/preparing-living-will

08/25/2026

A living trust keeps your assets out of probate court, but a will is still essential to appoint guardians for minor children. Pairing a trust with a backup "pour-over" will gives you complete protection. Learn the key differences between wills and trusts here.

https://www.willmaker.com/learn/living-trusts/trust-vs-will-do-you-need-both.html

08/20/2026

Can a nursing home hold family members personally responsible for a relative's care bills? Under federal law, admission contracts cannot force caregivers to guarantee payment from personal assets. Learn how to review agreements and protect your estate

https://www.consumerfinance.gov/consumer-tools/educator-tools/resources-for-older-adults/know-your-rights-caregivers-and-nursing-home-debt/