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30 Sep
attorneys sitting around a table nd reviewing estate planning and financial documents.

Your End-of-Year Financial & Estate Planning Checklists

The end of the year is a natural time to reflect on your finances and family circumstances. December 31st is also the deadline for qualifying annual exclusion gifts and certain charitable gifts. As the busy holiday season approaches, now is the ideal time to get ahead of any financial and estate planning to-dos on your desk. At Sessa & Dorsey, we use the following end-of-year estate planning and financial checklist to get our clients ready for the new year.

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21 Aug
2 attorneys sitting at a conference table advising a client

Donor-Advised Funds vs. Private Foundations: Which Is Right for Your Charitable Goals?

For many high net worth families, charitable giving is an integral part of an effective estate plan. Two vehicles stand out as the most common long-term options for families looking to structure that giving strategically: the donor-advised fund and the private foundation. Both allow donors to contribute assets, receive a tax deduction, and direct funds […]

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22 Jul
60 year old couple meeting with attorney to plan inheritence

Planning for an Unequal Inheritance: How to Treat Your Children Fairly, Not Just Equally

Most parents begin estate planning assuming that fairness means an equal split among their children. Once they think through each child’s actual circumstances, that assumption often does not hold up. A child who is financially secure may not need the same support as a sibling who is still working toward stability. A child who has […]

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17 Jun
grandparents, parents, and kids having a picnic laughing together

How to Protect Your Family From Estate Planning Disputes Before They Start

When families think about estate planning, they tend to focus on the financial decisions: how assets will be distributed, how taxes will be minimized, and how wealth will be preserved across generations. These are important questions, and they deserve careful attention. But estate planning disputes often have little to do with money. They have to […]

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20 May
older mom and dad with adult child sitting on a couch looking at a laptop

Estate Planning for Aging Parents: How to Protect Your Family Before Capacity Becomes a Concern

For many families, concerns about a parent’s cognitive health arise gradually. A missed appointment, some confusion over finances, or a subtle shift in decision-making can prompt adult children to start asking questions they had not considered before. These small moments and changes are worth noting for a number of reasons, including as a reminder to […]

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20 Apr
large family beach house on the beach in delaware

What Happens to the Family Beach House? Estate Planning Options for a Shared Vacation Property

For many families, a beach house is more than a piece of real estate. It is where summers are spent, traditions take root, and memories are made across generations. Without careful planning, however, passing these family properties down to new generations can become one of the most complicated and emotional transitions for a family already […]

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23 Mar
Collection of sentimental antique items: old black and white photograph, pearl necklace, lace, gold rings, beaded purse

How to Distribute Sentimental Items in an Estate Plan and Prevent Family Conflict

In estate planning and administration, the smallest items can sometimes create the biggest problems. Families often assume disagreements will center on major assets such as real estate, investment portfolios, or business interests. In reality, some of the most emotionally charged disputes arise over personal belongings. A watch worn every day for decades, a set of […]

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22 Jan
two women reviewing paper work

Reviewing Your Irrevocable Trust: Why Updates Matter for Family and Tax Planning

Irrevocable trusts are designed to be permanent. That’s what makes them such an effective tool for asset protection and long-term tax planning. But “permanent” doesn’t necessarily mean “unchangeable.” As your family evolves and tax laws shift, even an irrevocable trust may need a fresh look to ensure it still meets your goals. A trust created […]

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17 Nov
2 people exchanging a white gift box with red ribbon

Charitable Giving Tax Changes Coming in 2026: What to Do Now and Later

Significant changes to charitable giving rules are scheduled to take effect in 2026, stemming from the “One Big Beautiful Bill” Act (H.R.1) signed in July 2025. While tax law updates often create uncertainty, they also offer an opportunity to take a more thoughtful, values-aligned approach to philanthropy. With proper planning, you can continue supporting the […]

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16 Jun
How Assisted Reproductive Technology and DNA Testing Affect Your Estate Planning

How Assisted Reproductive Technology and DNA Testing Affect Your Estate Planning

As technology develops, the law surrounding it usually struggles to keep pace. A key unresolved legal area surrounds Artificial Reproductive Technology (ART). ART encompasses in vitro fertilization (IVF) and cryogenically preserving embryos, and what happens to those embryos in different situations. Frozen Assets: The Complicated Status of Genetic Materials ART has created confusion about ownership, […]

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