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May
One of the most common questions we hear is: “What's the difference between a will and a trust—and do I really need both? ” Here’s a breakdown of what each does, how they compare, and how to decide what’s right for you. What a Will Does Distrib...
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May
The rising cost of long-term care is one of the biggest financial risks families face. A single nursing home stay can drain a lifetime of savings in just a few years—unless you plan ahead. At Oak Grove, we help Louisiana families protect their assets while making sure they ...
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May
Life insurance is more than just a financial safety net—it's also a powerful estate planning tool. Whether you want to replace income, fund a trust, or equalize inheritances, how your policy is structured matters more than most people realize. Here’s what Louisi...
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May
If your estate may exceed the federal estate tax exemption—or you simply want to give more during your lifetime—strategic gifting can be one of the most effective tools in your estate plan. And with the federal exemption scheduled to drop significantly in 2026, now is...
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May
As we age, it becomes even more important to have the right legal protections in place—not just for what happens after we're gone, but for what could happen while we’re still very much alive. If you're over 60, two of the most critical estate planning documents ...
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May
If you're starting your estate plan—or reviewing an older one—it helps to know what the essential documents are. While every family’s needs are unique, most Louisiana residents should have these five foundational tools in place. Here’s what they are&...
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May
Blended families are beautiful—and complex. If you're part of one, your estate plan should be carefully tailored to reflect your relationships, your priorities, and the legal realities in Louisiana. Here’s what you need to know to make sure no one is unintention...
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May
Discussing inheritance with your children isn't always easy. In fact, many parents avoid it altogether—out of discomfort, fear of conflict, or the belief that “they’ll figure it out when I’m gone. ” But in our experience, honest and thoughtful c...
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May
Louisiana is one of the few states with forced heirship laws, which limit your ability to completely disinherit certain children. If you're creating an estate plan and have minor or disabled children, this is a critical rule to understand. What Is Forced Heirship? Forced he...
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May
At Oak Grove Estate Planning, we don't just write documents—we walk with families through some of life’s most important (and sometimes emotional) decisions. And in the process, we’ve learned just as much from our clients as they have from us. Here are a fe...
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May
In Louisiana, what most people call “probate” is known as succession—the legal process of transferring assets after death. It can be time-consuming, costly, and public. The good news? With the right planning, you can help your loved ones avoid it entirely. Here&...
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May
Even though Louisiana doesn't have a state estate tax, federal estate tax still applies—and for high-net-worth families, that can mean a substantial hit to what’s passed on. Fortunately, there are smart ways to reduce your taxable estate and preserve more of you...
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