White Oak Wills & Trusts, LLC

07/01/2026

Two hundred fifty years ago this week, the Continental Congress changed the world. While the July 4th vote was to approve the wording of Jefferson’s Declaration, it was on July 2nd when Congress actually voted to declare independence from Great Britain.

On July 3rd, John Adams wrote excitedly to his wife Abigail that July 2nd "ought to be commemorated...with Bells, Bonfires, and Illuminations from one End of this Continent to the other from this Time forward forever more."

(Illuminations was 18th century talk for fireworks.)

Adams was wrong about the exact date, but nailed the long-term outcome. We've been lighting up the sky every July ever since.

Happy Fourth of July! Our office will be closed on Friday to give our staff a head start at traveling to spend time with their families and setting up lawn chairs for the parade. ❤️

06/25/2026

Celebrating six years with us! Office Manager Kayla McTeague is mentor/coach/support/trainer/problem-solving royalty. The kingdom could not run without her 👑👸 On behalf of all the clients, staff, attorneys and professional partners she’s helped over the past six years, thank you Kayla!! 🥰🥰 Looking forward to many more years together!

06/04/2026

We spend all day talking to people about planning their estate. We’re often asked how we can spend all day talking to people about death. But that’s not how we spend our time! We’re asking the question, as this gentleman has, “How do you want to LIVE?”
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DZHp8HioG-v/?igsh=bThlYjZxbGFxNDYy

06/02/2026

You’re building your life, brick by brick. One small decision at a time. Watch the small things. Every decision matters.

02/19/2026

Leaving clear instructions is a gift 🥰❤️

Today Prue Leith turns 86 – and she has spoken candidly about how she hopes her life will end.

After describing her brother’s death from bone cancer as “agonising”, the chef has become an active campaigner for assisted dying, saying she wants more choice at the end of her own life.

“I want to die at home, in my own bed, surrounded by my nearest and dearest with plenty of painkillers so that I can say my goodbyes. And then, when I’m ready, I want to swallow a drug that will send me to sleep.”

“I see the matter in very simple terms: whose life is it anyway? Why do I not get a say? If we think it merciful to put a dying dog down, why can’t I have that too? Wouldn’t you rather your loved ones remembered the good times, not your agonising death?”

01/15/2026

“Most people don’t even know they have a PFIC.” I bet if they knew what a PFIC WAS, they’d know if they had one 🤣 If you have assets overseas, or inherit assets from someone overseas, you should know about the US taxing, or requiring a report of, foreign assets. Save yourself a headache and avoidable expense. Know your rights and obligations as a US resident who benefits from assets held outside the US.

01/12/2026

At the largest estate planning conference in the United States, investing in skills to better serve our clients ❤️

01/08/2026

Rudy is trying to decide whether he’s “wintering” (focusing on rest and rejuvenation) or setting goals, reassessing priorities and making resolutions. 🤣 If you’re a resolution-maker and estate planning is on your list, come see us. Pretty sure you’ll be witness to Rudy’s soft-blanket-wrapped choice! 🤣🤣

12/31/2025

Kaitlyn worked with us full-time for five years and part-time during the last four years as she completed law school. She graduated last summer. After practicing law for 6+ months, she was recruited to participate in a political incubator. She shared with us last week that her work on that and other “irons in the fire” won’t allow her to practice as an estate planning attorney with us full-time. We’re going to miss her.