<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><rss xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/" xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/" xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom" version="2.0"><channel><title><![CDATA[Blair Law, PLLC]]></title><description><![CDATA[Blair Law, PLLC]]></description><link>https://heronmd.wixsite.com/blairlaw/block-and-informaiton</link><generator>RSS for Node</generator><lastBuildDate>Wed, 20 May 2026 22:05:44 GMT</lastBuildDate><atom:link href="https://www.blairjohnson.law/blog-feed.xml" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml"/><item><title><![CDATA[The Hidden Truth About Settling a Loved One’s Estate]]></title><description><![CDATA[When someone names you as their executor, it might feel like an honor – a sign that they trust you to handle their final affairs. However, what many people don't realize is that being an executor can turn into a demanding part-time (or full-time) job that lasts months or even years, often during a time when you're also grieving the loss of a loved one. The responsibilities can be overwhelming, from tracking down assets to dealing with creditors to managing family dynamics. Then, there are...]]></description><link>https://www.blairjohnson.law/post/the-hidden-truth-about-settling-a-loved-one-s-estate</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69e6473c930722cfe916fa02</guid><pubDate>Mon, 20 Apr 2026 15:36:02 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/bc3274_75cf2a9550bf4036aaa07bf852616adb~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_940,h_788,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Blair Johnson</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[What Priscilla Presley's Lawsuit Reveals About the Prevalence of Elder Abuse]]></title><description><![CDATA[There’s a case in the headlines right now regarding Elder Abuse that drives home just how important this issue is. Priscilla Presley, 79, is currently in court , claiming she was defrauded of over $1 million by people she once trusted. If it can happen to someone with her resources, fame, and team of advisors, it can happen to anyone. That’s what makes her story so powerful—it’s a wake-up call. Financial elder abuse doesn’t just affect strangers on the news. It’s something we all need to...]]></description><link>https://www.blairjohnson.law/post/what-priscilla-presley-s-lawsuit-reveals-about-the-prevalence-of-elder-abuse</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69e6464b8b2f11ff8e5652c1</guid><pubDate>Mon, 20 Apr 2026 15:32:17 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/bc3274_e3a1e76f0ea6428e93b4707fb259faf0~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Blair Johnson</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[What Happens to Your Debt When You Die?]]></title><description><![CDATA[It's a question I hear often: if I die with debt, will my family be stuck paying it off? The short answer is it depends on several factors, including the type of debt you have, how your assets are titled, and whether anyone co-signed on your obligations. Understanding how debt works after death can help you make informed decisions today to protect the people you care about most. Note that for purposes of this article, we’ll assume that you either have a will or no estate plan at all. Trusts...]]></description><link>https://www.blairjohnson.law/post/what-happens-to-your-debt-when-you-die</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69e64572e30ec41b7d055687</guid><pubDate>Mon, 20 Apr 2026 15:27:24 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/bc3274_cbe2429d315f435e80686926506f8388~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Blair Johnson</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[10 Guardian Mistakes That Could Put Your Kids at Risk (And How to Do It Right)]]></title><description><![CDATA[Imagine this: something unexpected happens, and you're suddenly unable to care for your children. It's a parent's worst nightmare.  In this situation, you'd want to know that your kids will be loved, cared for, and raised according to the values you hold dear. But have you taken the right legal steps to ensure that happens? Many parents mistakenly believe that simply naming guardians in their will is enough to protect their children. Unfortunately, this isn't always the case.  There are...]]></description><link>https://www.blairjohnson.law/post/10-guardian-mistakes-that-could-put-your-kids-at-risk-and-how-to-do-it-right</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69e64487a96d49e56ec58514</guid><pubDate>Mon, 20 Apr 2026 15:23:22 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/bc3274_8c119342b5054b908be105924017936e~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_851,h_315,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Blair Johnson</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Estate Planning for Unmarried Couples: Protecting the Person You Love]]></title><description><![CDATA[You and your partner have built something real together. Maybe you share a home, split the bills, and have been each other's go-to person for years. In every way that matters, you're family. The problem is, the law doesn't see it that way. Without a marriage certificate, your partner has almost no automatic legal standing when it comes to your health care, your finances, or your estate. That gap doesn't just create paperwork headaches. It can leave the person you love most completely...]]></description><link>https://www.blairjohnson.law/post/estate-planning-for-unmarried-couples-protecting-the-person-you-love</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69e642a48e63193b95d31d82</guid><pubDate>Mon, 20 Apr 2026 15:16:33 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/bc3274_be9e1a6e8f0f423c9f0acd37f718c16a~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Blair Johnson</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Breaking the Cycle: How Life &#38; Legacy Planning Protects Black Families' Generational Wealth]]></title><description><![CDATA[The statistics are sobering. According to the Federal Reserve's 2022 Survey of Consumer Finances , the wealth gap between white Americans and Black Americans is approximately $241,120.  This disparity didn't happen by accident. It's the result of centuries of policies and practices that systematically prevented Black Americans from building and preserving wealth. From slavery and Jim Crow laws to discriminatory lending practices, each generation of Black families has faced unique challenges...]]></description><link>https://www.blairjohnson.law/post/breaking-the-cycle-how-life-legacy-planning-protects-black-families-generational-wealth</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69e6413d0544c5fd867529ba</guid><pubDate>Mon, 20 Apr 2026 15:11:06 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/bc3274_7f77cd604ddf40a984decb30b163c054~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Blair Johnson</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[When Paradise Turns to Pain: Jimmy Buffett's Estate Battle ]]></title><description><![CDATA[Jimmy Buffett built an empire around the laid-back "Margaritaville" lifestyle, but his $275 million estate has become anything but relaxing for his family. The legendary singer's widow and his longtime business manager are now locked in a bitter legal battle  that could have been avoided with better planning and communication. In this article, you'll discover why having proper legal documents isn't enough to protect your family, what critical element was missing from Buffett's planning that...]]></description><link>https://www.blairjohnson.law/post/when-paradise-turns-to-pain-jimmy-buffett-s-estate-battle</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69e63f3ce30ec41b7d054967</guid><pubDate>Mon, 20 Apr 2026 15:05:04 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/bc3274_c4a8903fa4164665bbe6f3730947d53a~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Blair Johnson</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Frozen Accounts, Court Delays, and Grief: What Happens in the Probate Process]]></title><description><![CDATA[Your mom told you not to worry; she  had everything handled. You were her power of attorney, helping her pay bills and manage her accounts. When she passed away, you assumed you'd simply continue handling things the same way you had been. Then you tried to deposit the insurance check. The bank clerk looked at the check, looked at your power of attorney paperwork, and shook her head. "I'm sorry, but we can't accept this. You'll need to go through the probate court first." Suddenly, you're...]]></description><link>https://www.blairjohnson.law/post/frozen-accounts-court-delays-and-grief-what-happens-in-the-probate-process</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69e631b00544c5fd86750aad</guid><pubDate>Mon, 20 Apr 2026 14:04:31 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/bc3274_0f7c501a09b84170a95f15986b97d46a~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Blair Johnson</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Why So Much Money Ends Up as Unclaimed Property and What That Means for You]]></title><description><![CDATA[Did you know there are billions of dollars in forgotten assets currently held by state governments, waiting for their rightful owners to claim them? This observance exists for one practical reason: to help you reclaim money and assets that already belong to you and to prevent future losses before they happen. Understanding what unclaimed property is, how assets become lost, and what you can do to protect yourself could mean recovering funds that could be put to good use, and ensuring your...]]></description><link>https://www.blairjohnson.law/post/why-so-much-money-ends-up-as-unclaimed-property-and-what-that-means-for-you</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69e62f84247930afa804038a</guid><pubDate>Mon, 20 Apr 2026 13:56:51 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/bc3274_dba7b85a537b4e278192636bb00367fd~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Blair Johnson</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Protecting Your Legacy: Why Life &#38; Legacy Planning Matters for Black Families]]></title><description><![CDATA[For many Black families, legacy is not abstract. It is shaped by generations who were denied the opportunity to accumulate and pass on wealth, and by the determination of those building something anyway. When wealth must be created without the benefit of generational cushioning, protecting it becomes just as important as generating it. Yet even families who successfully build wealth often see it disappear between generations. Not because they lacked discipline or ambition, but because the...]]></description><link>https://www.blairjohnson.law/post/protecting-your-legacy-why-life-legacy-planning-matters-for-black-families-1</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69e62dd5247930afa804002b</guid><pubDate>Mon, 20 Apr 2026 13:48:22 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/bc3274_97471d005baf47bf96f12b02a72f9942~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Blair Johnson</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Life, Liberty, and Legacy: How Life &#38; Legacy Planning Promotes Independence ]]></title><description><![CDATA[Every Fourth of July, we celebrate more than fireworks and barbecues. We honor the bold vision of people who refused to accept the status quo and instead created a framework for lasting freedom. The Declaration of Independence wasn't just a document—it was a comprehensive plan that established principles, assigned responsibilities, and created structures to protect future generations. This Independence Day, consider how the same spirit can inspire you to create your own declaration of...]]></description><link>https://www.blairjohnson.law/post/life-liberty-and-legacy-how-life-legacy-planning-promotes-independence</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69e5225e78e885dbc8275c9c</guid><pubDate>Sun, 19 Apr 2026 18:46:38 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/bc3274_8bccc8d7cea84a3887f1611dc983f654~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Blair Johnson</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Protecting Your Rights: Estate Planning Strategies for Same-Sex Couples ]]></title><description><![CDATA[The political landscape is shifting, and many same-sex couples are worried about what could happen if federal protections for their marriages are rolled back. You’ve worked hard to build a life together, and the last thing you need is uncertainty about whether your marriage, your assets, or your rights will be recognized in the future. While no one can predict exactly what will happen, proper estate planning gives you security, regardless of political changes. Understanding Current...]]></description><link>https://www.blairjohnson.law/post/protecting-your-rights-estate-planning-strategies-for-same-sex-couples</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69e5133e0c8d230c9e92f578</guid><pubDate>Sun, 19 Apr 2026 17:52:55 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/bc3274_c9d35f0fd97f41dab0aa48e8f0cea7d3~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_628,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Blair Johnson</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Creating a Trust in Your Will vs. Creating a Living Trust: Part 2]]></title><description><![CDATA[Last week, we covered how it works when you create a trust through your will. This week, I'll show you how a trust created during your lifetime (called a revocable living trust) functions differently, what your family experiences when you've set up a living trust, and how to decide which approach truly fits your situation. As a quick refresher, a “testamentary trust” is created in your will and only comes into existence after your estate goes through probate. As a result, your  family could...]]></description><link>https://www.blairjohnson.law/post/creating-a-trust-in-your-will-vs-creating-a-living-trust-part-2</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69e512060c8d230c9e92f30b</guid><pubDate>Sun, 19 Apr 2026 17:36:40 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/bc3274_b388a042f6d644a19b26e3633cde9f54~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Blair Johnson</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Creating a Trust in Your Will vs. Creating a Living Trust: Part 1]]></title><description><![CDATA[You've probably heard that trusts help families avoid probate court and protect assets for the people you love. Maybe you've even talked to a lawyer who mentioned including a trust in your will. It sounds like a good solution, but here's what most people don't realize: a trust created in your will works very differently from a living trust you create today, and the difference will have a major impact on your loved ones when you die. Both options use the word "trust," which makes them sound...]]></description><link>https://www.blairjohnson.law/post/creating-a-trust-in-your-will-vs-creating-a-living-trust-part-1</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69e5108ca96d49e56ec3165f</guid><pubDate>Sun, 19 Apr 2026 17:30:43 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/bc3274_785960e01ecb4f57ba33bd73ba2dd2c0~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Blair Johnson</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Here’s What Happens to Your Retirement Accounts After You Die]]></title><description><![CDATA[Retirement accounts like 401(k)s and IRAs often represent the single largest category of wealth for American families. According to recent data, retirement funds in these accounts alone total roughly $21 trillion, and for many households, they compose over 34% of average household assets, even exceeding home equity. Given this scale, understanding how these accounts transfer to beneficiaries after death isn't just important, it's essential to protecting your family's financial future. The...]]></description><link>https://www.blairjohnson.law/post/here-s-what-happens-to-your-retirement-accounts-after-you-die</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69e4ec9b8b434ed4ac3120e8</guid><pubDate>Sun, 19 Apr 2026 15:00:30 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/bc3274_21cffbee8d5640e3af3d9fe7a3a46f1c~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Blair Johnson</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Here’s What Can Happen to Blended Families When a Spouse Dies]]></title><description><![CDATA[If you are in a blended family, you may believe the simplest estate plan is the fairest one: "I'll leave everything to my spouse. They'll take care of my kids." That approach often works in a first and only marriage. If you and your spouse share the same biological or adopted children, the surviving spouse will most often naturally leave everything to your shared children later. But in a blended family, the dynamic is completely different. In this article, you will learn what normally happens...]]></description><link>https://www.blairjohnson.law/post/here-s-what-can-happen-to-blended-families-when-a-spouse-dies</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69e4e95e5e3a88e8e09d2410</guid><pubDate>Sun, 19 Apr 2026 14:45:41 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/bc3274_169e329dd39e43af8f5aaf467f6df406~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Blair Johnson</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[A Mother's Legacy: Estate Planning as Your Greatest Expression of Love]]></title><description><![CDATA[When we think about Mother's Day, we often picture breakfast in bed, handmade cards, and bouquets of fresh flowers. But what if there was a way for mom to express her love and care that extends far beyond their lifetime? This is where thoughtful estate planning enters the picture—not as a cold legal process, but as one of the most profound expressions of motherly love possible. How, you may ask? Let’s dive in and find out. A Mother's Care Expressed Through Legal Planning Think about how a...]]></description><link>https://www.blairjohnson.law/post/a-mother-s-legacy-estate-planning-as-your-greatest-expression-of-love</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69e4e7250c8d230c9e929555</guid><category><![CDATA[legacy planning]]></category><pubDate>Sun, 19 Apr 2026 14:35:40 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/bc3274_4f522e0f55f745aaa44bf5502f90af51~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Blair Johnson</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Anne Heche Died in 2022. Her Family is Still Paying for it]]></title><description><![CDATA[When actress Anne Heche died following a car accident in August 2022, she left behind an estate with about $110,000 in assets and more than $6 million in creditor claims, incomplete financial records, and a son in his early twenties who suddenly found himself appointed by a court to sort it all out. As of early 2026, that estate is still not closed. Nearly four years later, the family is still in the middle of it.
]]></description><link>https://www.blairjohnson.law/post/anne-heche-died-in-2022-her-family-is-still-paying-for-it</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69e4e14ca96d49e56ec2ae3a</guid><pubDate>Sun, 19 Apr 2026 14:26:07 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/bc3274_8912ba1089a444eeabc5b2d6733b81aa~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Blair Johnson</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[One Death, One Courtroom, One Child - and a Lesson Every Parent Needs to Hear]]></title><description><![CDATA[You probably assume that if something happened to you, the other parent would step in and everything would work itself out. In many families, that's true. But not always.  Real life is messy. Parents separate. Relationships become contentious. Custody disputes drag on for years. And when a tragedy occurs in the middle of all of that, children can end up in legal limbo  while adults and courts scramble to figure out what happens next. A recent Michigan case shows exactly how complicated things...]]></description><link>https://www.blairjohnson.law/post/one-death-one-courtroom-one-child-and-a-lesson-every-parent-needs-to-hear</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69dfab331847596b2f54979d</guid><pubDate>Wed, 15 Apr 2026 15:26:42 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/bc3274_526da809a88a4778b0a22dfeff0960e1~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Blair Johnson</dc:creator></item></channel></rss>