Our Blog - Surety Matters

  Retirement plan participants have the right to request plan documents and information. When they make a request, it’s important to respond in a timely manner—and to keep a record of doing so. Pay attention…
Read Moreabout ERISA 104b Requests?

  The Senate’s Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee (HELP) has advanced the RISE and SHINE Act aimed at improving retirement security. It is anticipated that the Senate Finance Committee will now add to the…
Read Moreabout Public Leaders Agree: Securing Retirement

  Although many states now have expedited probate processes, lengthy delays can still occur. For example, if there is a challenge to the validity of a will, the probate process essentially comes to a halt—no…
Read Moreabout Will Contests Delay Probate

  When it comes to estate plans, there are no laws requiring parents to evenly divide assets among children. Equality often makes the most sense, both practically and emotionally. However, life circumstances may prompt questions…
Read Moreabout Fairness and Estate Planning

  To effectively leverage federal infrastructure dollars—and achieve successful builds—governors recognize ever more efficiency is needed across multiple, complex systems. Their appointed infrastructure coordinators are taking on mission critical work in states across the country….
Read Moreabout Dig Once: Coordinators Please

Despite high costs and service lags, travel is up, up and away this summer. Suddenly it seems that everyone who can is looking to make up for the losses brought on by Covid. Some long-time…
Read Moreabout Revenge Travel: Agents Please

  What is the right amount of money to leave adult children? This is an important question for families who have had the good luck to accumulate more money then necessary for a satisfying and…
Read Moreabout Inheritance: Too Much?

  When estate plans involve trusts, lawyers advise careful consideration in naming the trustee. Families may think they are immune to conflict, but grappling with death and financial decision making can present difficult challenges for…
Read Moreabout Trustees: Impartiality and Good Judgment

  Despite the hard work of retirement plan sponsors across the country, only a relatively small percent of Americans have financial plans for retirement. Meanwhile, only a tiny percentage of those who have retired describe…
Read Moreabout Are We There Yet?