BERYS LAW | Business, Real Estate, Wills/Trusts

When a veteran passes away, they leave behind more than memories of service and sacrifice—they leave a legacy. One of the most meaningful ways to honor that legacy is by ensuring their loved ones receive the support and benefits they’ve earned. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers several programs designed to help surviving spouses, children, and dependents achieve financial stability and access essential services during a difficult time.

Financial Support for Families

The most recognized form of support is the Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC). This tax-free monthly payment is available to surviving spouses, children, or parents of service members who died in the line of duty or from a service-related condition. It can help offset the loss of income and provide ongoing financial security for families adjusting to life after loss.

Additionally, surviving family members may be eligible for Survivors Pension, a needs-based benefit for low-income, unremarried s...

Estate planning is often focused on wills, trusts, and asset distribution. But one crucial area that’s frequently forgotten involves your medical privacy—the rules set by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, or HIPAA. If your estate plan doesn’t address HIPAA regulations properly, your loved ones could face unnecessary stress and confusion when making healthcare decisions on your behalf.

Why HIPAA Matters in Estate Planning

HIPAA was designed to protect your private health information from being shared without your consent. While that’s good for privacy, it can create complications when family members or agents need access to your medical records during an emergency or while managing your healthcare decisions.

Let’s say you’re incapacitated, and your healthcare agent needs to make decisions about your treatment. Without proper HIPAA authorization, doctors and hospitals might refuse to share medical details—even with your spouse or adult children. This lack of acc...

Being part of the “sandwich generation” means living between two sets of responsibilities: caring for aging parents while also supporting children, whether they’re still at home or starting their own adult lives. It’s a role full of emotional and financial challenges. Add estate planning into the mix, and it can feel overwhelming. But with the right strategies, you can care for your loved ones today while building a lasting legacy for tomorrow.

Acknowledge the Dual Role

The first step is recognizing the unique position you’re in. Unlike previous generations who may have only supported one side of the family at a time, today’s middle-aged adults often juggle medical bills for parents, tuition costs for kids, and their own retirement planning. Estate strategies need to reflect these layered obligations. That means looking beyond just “who inherits what” and focusing on long-term financial security.

Start With a Solid Foundation

Begin by ensuring you have core documents in place: a wi...

Keeping inheritances private matters to many families — whether to protect beneficiaries from unwanted attention, prevent opportunistic claims, or simply spare loved ones a media spectacle. Privacy won’t happen by accident; it takes careful planning and the right legal tools. Here’s a clear, practical guide to keeping inheritances out of the public eye.

Start with a trust, not just a will

Wills become public during probate in most jurisdictions. A revocable living trust (or other appropriate trust type) transfers assets outside probate, so the details don’t enter the public record. Trusts also allow you to set conditions, stagger distributions, and name a private trustee to manage communications. Work with an estate attorney to choose the trust structure that fits your goals.

Read more: What Is the Difference Between a Will and a Trust?

Use beneficiary designations and joint ownership smartly

Accounts like IRAs, 401(k)s, life insurance policies, and payable-on-death bank accounts ...

Estate planning has traditionally focused on tangible property like homes, vehicles, and financial accounts. However, in today’s digital age, much of our personal and financial lives are managed online. From social media to cryptocurrency, digital assets are now an essential part of estate planning. Recognizing what qualifies as a digital asset and ensuring they are included in your estate plan can save your loved ones unnecessary confusion and protect your legacy.

Defining Digital Assets

Digital assets include any electronic record, file, or account that holds personal, sentimental, or monetary value. These assets can range from financial holdings to personal online content. Importantly, they are often protected by unique usernames, passwords, and terms of service agreements, making access difficult for family members if not properly planned for in advance.

Common Types of Digital Assets

Financial Accounts – Online banking, PayPal, Venmo, investment platforms, and cryptocurrency w...

Military service members and their families face unique challenges when it comes to estate planning. Frequent relocations, overseas deployments, and the inherent risks of service require a proactive approach to protecting assets, providing for loved ones, and ensuring legal affairs are in order. Whether you’re active duty, in the reserves, or retired, these tips will help you build a solid military estate plan.

1. Start Early—Don’t Wait for Deployment

One of the most common mistakes service members make is delaying estate planning until just before deployment. Life in the military is unpredictable, and emergencies can happen at any time. Start your estate plan as soon as possible so your loved ones are protected no matter what.

2. Draft a Comprehensive Will

A will outlines how your assets will be distributed and who will care for your minor children if something happens to you. Without one, state laws will decide for you—which may not align with your wishes. Include instructions fo...

Dealing with the loss of a loved one is difficult enough without the added burden of navigating the legal system. One of the most common questions families face during this time is whether they need a probate lawyer. While not every estate requires legal assistance, certain situations make hiring a probate attorney not just helpful—but necessary. This guide will help you understand when it's time to bring in a professional.

What Is Probate?

Probate is the legal process of settling a deceased person's estate. This includes validating the will (if one exists), identifying and valuing assets, paying debts and taxes, and distributing the remaining property to heirs or beneficiaries. In simple cases, probate may be straightforward. But complications can arise quickly, especially with larger or contested estates.

Discover: What Are Probate Delays?

When You Might Not Need a Probate Lawyer

Some estates can be handled without a lawyer. For instance:

• The estate is small and qualifies for...

Creating a will is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your assets and loved ones—but it’s also one of the most misunderstood legal documents. Many people avoid writing a will because of myths or misinformation. Let’s debunk 10 common myths about wills and reveal the truths you need to know.

1. Myth: Only the wealthy need a will

Truth: Regardless of how much money or property you have, a will ensures your wishes are respected. Without one, the state decides how to distribute your assets, which can create confusion, delay, and family conflict.

2. Myth: I’m too young to need a will

Truth: Adults of any age should have a will, especially if they have dependents, own property, or want to specify who inherits their belongings. Unexpected events can happen at any stage of life.

Read more: The Best Age to Start Estate Planning – And Why It Matters

3. Myth: A will avoids probate

Truth: A will does not avoid probate. Instead, it guides the probate process by instructi...

Life is unpredictable, and while no one likes to imagine being incapacitated, planning for that possibility is one of the most responsible things you can do for yourself and your loved ones. If you become unable to communicate due to an accident, illness, or cognitive decline, who will make medical decisions on your behalf? Without legal preparation, your family might face delays, confusion, or even court battles during already stressful moments. Here’s how to ensure your family can act quickly and confidently if you can’t speak for yourself.

1. Create a Medical Power of Attorney (Health Care Proxy)

The most important step is designating someone you trust to make healthcare decisions for you through a legal document called a Medical Power of Attorney, or sometimes a Health Care Proxy. This person, called your “agent” or “proxy,” will be able to communicate with doctors, approve or refuse treatments, and advocate for your preferences.

Make sure the person you choose understands your ...

Talking to your family about estate planning is one of the most important conversations you’ll ever have—yet it’s also one of the most difficult. Discussing money, death, and future responsibilities can be uncomfortable, emotional, and even tense. However, avoiding the topic can lead to confusion, disputes, and unnecessary stress down the road. The good news? With thoughtful preparation and a compassionate approach, you can have a productive and peaceful conversation that brings clarity and peace of mind to everyone involved.

Start Early and Choose the Right Moment

Don’t wait until a health crisis or family emergency forces the conversation. Ideally, bring it up during a calm, low-pressure time when everyone is relaxed and open to discussion. You might introduce the topic around a family gathering or after a life event like a wedding, birth, or retirement—times when legacy and planning are already top of mind.

Let your family know in advance that you’d like to talk about estate plan...