Estate planning

Most people spend hours on their will — then leave a blank line on a form that quietly overrides it. Here’s how beneficiary designations actually work in Utah, and how to make sure yours match your intentions.

Starting January 1, 2026, Utah replaced its advance directive framework with the Uniform Health-Care Decisions Act. Your existing directive is still valid, but the new form gives you significantly more control over your future health-care decisions — including separate sections for life-sustaining treatment, artificial nutrition, pain relief, mental health care, and organ donation. Here’s what changed and why it matters for you and your family.

Estate planning isn’t just for the wealthy—it’s for anyone who wants to protect their family and ensure their wishes are honored. Whether you’re a new parent, a business owner, or simply someone who wants peace of mind, having the right documents in place is essential. As an estate planning attorney, I’ve helped hundreds of families

Here’s something most people don’t realize until it’s too late: when you pass away, your family might not be able to access your bank accounts, sell your house, or even close out your credit cards without going through a lengthy court process called probate. And that process? It can take months. Sometimes over a year.

Quick question: If something happened to you tomorrow, would your family be able to access your email? Your photos stored in the cloud? Your cryptocurrency? Your social media accounts? For most people, the honest answer is no. And that’s a problem. We live increasingly digital lives. Yet when it comes to estate planning, most of

Here’s a question every parent needs to answer: If something happened to you and your spouse tomorrow, who would raise your children? It’s not a comfortable thing to think about. But it might be the most important decision you make as a parent—and if you don’t make it yourself, a court will make it for

“I’m too young for estate planning.” If you’ve ever thought this, you’re not alone. Most people in their 20s and 30s assume estate planning is for older folks with big houses and complicated finances. But here’s the truth: estate planning isn’t about how much you have—it’s about protecting what matters to you. And in your

Would your family know where to find your important documents if something happened to you? Learn how proper organization protects your loved ones and complements your estate plan.

Choosing the right business structure affects everything from personal liability to taxes to growth potential. Learn about sole proprietorships, partnerships, LLCs, and corporations to find the best fit for your Utah or Arizona business.

Guest Post by Carl Woolston, CFP®, ChFC®, Thrive Retirement Planning Why Coordinating Your Estate Plan and Retirement Plan Brings Peace of Mind You’ve worked hard to build your financial life — decades of saving, investing, and planning for retirement. You’ve put strategies in place to minimize taxes, maximize income, and make your money last. But