A Season of Hope, Family, and Faith – Merry Christmas from Rose Harper Law
As Christmas approaches, I find myself reflecting on the blessings, challenges, and moments of grace that have shaped this year. As a servant and follower of Jesus, I believe deeply in the hope and redemption that this season represents. Christmas reminds us of God’s love, the gift of Jesus, and the light that continues to […]
Local attorney warns of rise in winter-weather crashes, says residents should know their rights
ALLENTOWN, Pa. — With winter weather settling into the Lehigh Valley, attorney Rose Harper said she’s already seeing the familiar uptick in crashes and cold-weather injuries that tends to hit the region each year — and she wants residents to understand the risks that come with the area’s unpredictable storms. Harper, who owns her personal […]
How to Keep Wealth in Your Family for Generations
Many families focus on building wealth, but fewer think about keeping it. Research shows that a majority of wealthy families lose their wealth by the second generation, and by the third generation, the number climbs as high as 90%. That happens not because parents lack concern for their kids, but because key pieces of planning […]
Estate Planning for Unmarried Couples: Protecting the Life You’ve Built Together
You’ve built a life with someone you love – sharing a home, experiences, and maybe even finances – but without legal marriage, the law doesn’t automatically recognize your relationship. That means if something happens to you, your partner could be left without legal rights to your property, finances, or even decisions about your medical care. […]
Estate Planning Awareness Week: Why Planning Is the Greatest Gift You Can Give Your Loved Ones
October 20–26, 2025, is Estate Planning Awareness Week – a national observance created to encourage Americans to think about what will happen to their loved ones and their assets after they die. For many people, the term estate planning brings to mind stacks of legal documents, a will, a trust, a healthcare directive, or powers […]
Why It Matters to Your Loved Ones That You Work With the Right Lawyer
When someone you love dies, grief hits hard enough. But imagine adding legal chaos, confusing paperwork, and no one to guide you through it all. That’s the reality for thousands of people every year who are left to navigate a confusing, messy, and expensive legal and financial process without support. In this article, you’ll read […]
Why You Don’t Want an Initial Consultation, But a Life & Legacy Planning® Session Instead
A typical initial consultation with an estate planning lawyer may look like this: you meet, you answer questions about your family and assets, and the lawyer tells you what documents you need – typically a will, trust, health care directive, and power of attorney – and what they will cost. This is a recipe for […]
The Hidden Risks of Growing Older Without a Life & Legacy Plan
If you are like most people, you probably assume that when the time comes, someone—your spouse, your children, or maybe a close friend—will be there to take care of you. But the truth is, more Americans than ever are living alone as they age, often without a clear plan for support. According to AARP, more […]
Don’t Lose Your Family Stories: How to Preserve Your Legacy Before It’s Too Late
A client once told me she would give anything to hear her grandmother’s voice again. Her grandmother had been the heart of the family—the one who told stories about how she survived the Great Depression and how she fell in love with her husband. But when she passed away, those stories went with her. They […]
When Every Dollar Counts: How Labor Day Reminds Us That Life & Legacy Planning Is More Essential Than Ever
Labor Day has always been about honoring the American worker—the people who build our communities, power our economy, and create the foundation of our society. But this year, as we fire up our grills and enjoy that long weekend, there’s an elephant in the room that deserves our attention. For millions of working families in […]
When Fame Can’t Fix Family: What Hulk Hogan’s Estate Teaches Us About Failed Planning
When wrestling legend Hulk Hogan died at age 71, the world lost an icon. But behind the headlines about his estimated $25 million estate and decades of wrestling fame lies a heartbreaking family story that offers powerful lessons for anyone with people they love. This story demonstrates that wealth and fame can’t substitute for the […]
Why Estate Documents Fail: The Hidden Truth About Traditional Estate Planning
You hired a lawyer, signed your estate planning documents, and filed them safely away. Or maybe your financial advisor created your documents, or you might have done them yourself online, for free using AI. You think your work is done. But then you die, and your loved ones are left battling court delays, family conflict, […]
“It Has Been Such a Good Life”: The Legacy Your Loved Ones Need
When Anna Harp lost her father, Rudolph Clausing, she didn’t get to say goodbye. It was January 2021, during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Her dad had been battling lung disease when he contracted the virus, and strict hospital protocols meant his family couldn’t be by his side in his final days. Anna was […]
Nobody Prepared Me for This! The Reality of Managing Inherited Real Estate
Inheriting a home comes with hidden responsibilities that can overwhelm grieving families. From security concerns to ongoing maintenance, learn what to expect and how proper planning can prevent costly surprises. Read more…
Life, Liberty, and Legacy: How Life & Legacy Planning Promotes Independence
Independence Day reminds us that true freedom requires intentional planning and sacrifice. Just as the founders created a framework for lasting liberty, your Life & Legacy Plan creates lasting security for your loved ones. Read more…
A Texas Mail Carrier’s Act of Love Shows Why Your Pets Need a Plan Too
When Ian Burke, a mail carrier from Destin, Texas, heard that Floyd—a 70-pound dog he’d befriended on his delivery route—had ended up in a shelter after his owner’s death, he didn’t hesitate. Burke arrived at the City of Denton Animal Shelter before it opened to be first in line to adopt Floyd and give him […]
Breaking the Cycle: How Life & Legacy Planning Protects Black Families’ Generational Wealth in New York & New Jersey
For generations, Black families in New York and New Jersey have faced systemic barriers that have disrupted wealth building and transfer, but Life & Legacy Planning offers a powerful tool to break these cycles. Read more…
The Missing Will Mystery: How Zappos CEO’s Estate Chaos Could Have Been Avoided
Imagine this: You’ve built a business empire worth hundreds of millions of dollars, transformed a city’s downtown area, and touched countless lives with your vision and generosity. Then, unexpectedly, you pass away—and nearly five years later, a will you may have created suddenly appears. Meanwhile, your family has been battling creditors, former associates, and mounting […]
Beyond Remembrance: How Memorial Day Can Inspire Leaving Your Own Legacy
Memorial Day offers us more than a time for barbecues and retail sales for families in New York and New Jersey—it’s an opportunity to reflect on legacy and mortality. Read more…
A Mother’s Legacy: Estate Planning as Your Greatest Expression of Love
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 moms in New York and New Jersey to express their love and care that extends far beyond their lifetime? This is where thoughtful estate planning enters the picture—not […]
Planting the Seeds of Security: Estate Planning and Earth Day
As we celebrate Earth Day, a time to honor the planet and commit to nurturing the world we’ll leave behind, it’s also a fitting moment to think about the legacy we leave for our families. Just as the health of a tree depends on strong, deep roots, the well-being of families living in New York […]
Leaving a Legacy: Why Estate Planning is for Everyone (Yes, Even You!)
When you hear “estate planning,” you probably picture billionaires divvying up their mansions, yachts, and private islands. Well, guess what — estate planning isn’t just for the rich. It’s for everyone. Yep, even you — whether you’re a parent, a pet owner, or a single 20-something just hoping to keep your ficus alive for one […]
What is probate?
A guide to administering a will in New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania Let’s talk about something a bit less thrilling but absolutely essential: probate. You’ve probably heard of a will before—a legal document that outlines how your stuff should be divided after you’re gone. But here’s the thing: have you ever wondered what happens […]
Til Death Do Us Part? Why Unmarried Couples Must Have An Estate Plan That Works For the People They Love
Love in the 21st century takes many forms, and for a growing number of couples, “forever” doesn’t always include a marriage license. While a deeply personal choice, being unmarried adds layers of legal and financial complexity that can’t be ignored, especially when it comes to protecting your assets and loved ones. Imagine this: you’ve built […]
Planning a Trip? Protect Your Children with a Kids Protection PlanⓇ
As Spring Break approaches, followed by summer, you’re likely focused on planning the perfect getaway with your children – booking flights, reserving hotels, and mapping out exciting activities. But there’s one crucial aspect of travel planning that often gets overlooked: ensuring your children’s safety and care if something unexpected happens to you during your trip. […]
The Unexpected Challenges of Being an Estate Executor
When someone asks you to be the executor of their estate, it might seem like a straightforward responsibility – distribute assets according to their will and handle some paperwork. However, as many executors discover, the role involves far more complexity, time, and emotional labor than expected. Understanding these challenges now can help you better prepare, […]
Top 5 Reasons to book Rose Harper Law as a speaker for your local or Virtual Event, or as a Podcast Guest:
For more information on how to book Rose Harper or another team member to speak about Estate Planning or another topic, please reach out to info@roseharperlaw.com or call 201-377-2337. See Rose’s past appearances as a featured guest on:
They’re Not Kids Anymore! Navigating Your Child’s Transition Into Adulthood
When your child turns 18, they’re legally considered an adult even though they have a lot more growing to do (though they may not think so!). Just like any other adult, their health and financial information is protected by privacy laws. But unlike any other adult, that’s still your child and you want to be […]
4 Estate Planning Myths That Put Your Loved Ones at Risk
Surveys conducted in 2024 by Caring.com and Ameriprise Financial revealed a troubling trend: Americans are falling behind on estate planning. The Caring.com survey revealed that only 32% of Americans have a will – a 6% decline from 2023. The Ameriprise survey found that 52% of couples lack estate plans. These statistics highlight a dangerous disconnect […]
National Unclaimed Property Day: Why Estate Planning is More Than Just Documents
Every year on February 1st, we observe National Unclaimed Property Day – a reminder of the staggering $60 billion in forgotten and abandoned assets currently held by state governments across America. And this isn’t just spare change we’re talking about. These are life insurance policies, forgotten bank accounts, uncashed checks, retirement funds, and other valuable […]
A Power of Attorney May Not Be What You Think
If you’ve ever considered planning for your future or helped someone plan for theirs, you’ve probably heard the term “power of attorney.” But do you really know what it is? The terms “power” and “attorney” carry weight but may not mean what you think. In fact, there are many misconceptions about what a power of […]
Navigating End-of-Life Care: Lessons from a Daughter’s Tragic Experience
In an aging society, you might find yourself facing difficult end-of-life decisions for your loved ones sooner than you expect. And when you do, you’ll realize the journey through end-of-life care is rarely straightforward. A recent and heartbreaking story published by Maggie Schneider Huston in Newsweek illustrates this fact. In this article, I’ll highlight key […]
Beyond the Turkey: How Thanksgiving Can Inspire Your Family Legacy Planning
As Thanksgiving approaches, many families are busy planning menus, coordinating travel, and preparing for the big feast. While the turkey, stuffing, and pumpkin pie are important (and delicious) traditions, this cherished holiday offers something even more valuable—a perfect opportunity to think about, discuss, and preserve your family’s legacy. In this article, you’ll discover practical ways […]