Personal Trending Topics

To help with your writing efforts, here’s what people are looking for in Personal Law online. Trending topics culled from JD Supra, search analytics, social media conversations, and other sources:

Pet Insurance: A Concept to Cuddle Up to, or Not? 

Consider writing about:

Insurance for pets; how big of a business this is (in the country or region of your choice); whether pet insurance options have become more common (and perhaps more popular) as the veterinary industry has changed and as veterinary services costs have risen; what pet owners should consider when researching, negotiating, or renewing pet insurance policies; any noteworthy legal disputes involving pet insurance and coverage; any interesting innovations occurring in the pet insurance sector.

Estate and Inheritance Taxes: Tips and Trends 

Consider writing about:

Estate and inheritance taxes. Take your pick from any of the following points: common pitfalls, oversights, or misconceptions about these types of taxes; planning and preparation tips for addressing applicable taxes; how to minimize the impact of estate and inheritance taxes. Alternatively, you may choose to write about emerging state or federal trends or other recent developments that may affect tax obligations pertaining to estates and inheritances.

How to Write a Will [Ongoing] 

Consider writing about:

The steps involved in writing a final will and testament; what to include and not to include; how to select an executor; how to provide for minor children and other dependents; key financial considerations to address; how to talk to a spouse or other family members about your last wishes; pointers on living wills; how to turn a will into a legal document; templates and sample language. Alternatively, consider doing one of the following: present a list of do’s and don’ts on crafting a will; or use a legal dispute over a contested will (perhaps involving a celebrity) as a jumping-off point to illustrate potential pitfalls; or write about what can happen if someone does not have a will.

Private Placement Life Insurance: Implications for Tax and Estate Planning, and More 

Consider writing about:

Private placement life insurance; what it consists of; who qualifies for it or whom it is best suited for; related tax advantages; potential downsides for individuals considering this form of insurance; concerns raised by legislators or others over private placement life insurance’s impacts.

Last-Minute Tax Tips for Individuals [Ongoing] 

Consider writing about:

Last minute advice for individual taxpayers who have not yet filed; steps to reduce tax liabilities; tips for deducting such items as charitable donations, medical expenses, job search costs, moving-related expenses, and other eligible expenses; how to maximize the tax benefits of retirement accounts; how to get a filing extension; how to spread out payments to the IRS.

Tax-Related Pointers for Expats [Ongoing] 

Consider writing about:

Tax tips for expats. Common tax questions, misunderstandings, or blind spots that may arise for U.S. citizens when living or working outside the United States; related pointers involving tax benefits, credits, obligations, or potential pitfalls; relevant best practices, or related pointers on how to simplify one’s tax reporting process or perhaps minimize one’s tax bill after relocating to another country, whether full-time or part-time.

What to Know Before Harnessing AI for Your Tax Filing 

Consider writing about:

AI tools as an aide in preparing or reviewing tax returns. Are any current-day AI tools up to these tasks? What should individuals or businesses know before incorporating AI technology into their tax season routine? What are the potential pitfalls to look out for? And if someone makes a tax error due (to whatever extent) to an AI resource’s performance, will blaming the error on AI cut any ice with tax authorities?

What Triggers the IRS’ Filing of a Substitute Tax Return? 

Consider writing about:

Substitute tax returns. What do these consist of, and what factors trigger the Internal Revenue Service’s decision to create and file one for a taxpayer? How does the IRS determine the details for a substitute filing? What are a taxpayer’s rights regarding such key points as being notified by the IRS of the existence of the substitute return and regarding the ability to contest the filing and the IRS’ related determination about tax owed? (Alternatively or additionally, consider exploring whether state tax authorities, or tax bodies in other countries, create similar substitute tax returns under certain conditions.)

How to Manage Family Heirlooms [Ongoing] 

Consider writing about:

Family heirlooms and family conflicts or other issues that often arise regarding their ownership, custody, and transfer; tips regarding verbal vs. written communications on this matter; whether an estate plan by itself is sufficient to convey and protect one’s intentions regarding heirlooms; what to know about a personal property memorandum and its potential advantages or limitations.

First Amendment Rights: What to Remember 

Consider writing about:

First Amendment rights in an era of hyper-partisan politics, an issue that has seen renewed attention lately due to viral videos of interactions at local government sessions or other public meetings. Consider writing a refresher on First Amendment rights, online or in person, or a piece exploring common misconceptions about when free speech rights do or do not apply. What should individuals know, and how can they best exercise their rights?

Related information:

https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/idaho-woman-forcibly-dragged-local-republican-town-hall-private-securi-rcna193477

What Constitutes Trespassing? 

Consider writing about:

Trespassing laws; how they are enforced; potential penalties for violating trespassing laws; when a political demonstration may give rise to trespassing allegations; individuals’ rights “versus” property owners’ or tenants’ rights; and perhaps a look at trespassing laws’ enforcement over the decades, especially as they pertain to racial profiling or other discriminatory actions.

How (and Whether) to Delete One’s Digital History 

Consider writing about:

What someone should consider about the status and potential drawbacks of their digital history, whether in the context of changes in career or marital status, or over concerns about personal safety. How much digital information can someone realistically get deleted, whether on their own, or via the use of third-party tools, or perhaps by regulatory authorities in accordance with rights and protections that may exist under state, federal, or regional laws? What should someone consider before taking actions to erase as much of their digital footprint as possible?

What Is DOGE Doing With Your Data? 

Consider writing about:

The so-called Department of Government Efficiency’s access to, and work with, government data; concerns being raised over the breadth of data types being accessed and by whom; litigation over DOGE’s actions; whether individuals have standing for lawsuits of their own over DOGE’s operations; what individuals might consider doing, in light of the current political upheaval, as regards their recordkeeping and the protection and integrity of their personal data, especially any relating to their financial status or financial futures.

Personal Privacy Concerns in the Trump 2.0 Era 

Consider writing about:

Personal privacy concerns amid sweeping changes being made or proposed by the second Trump administration; what individuals who are concerned about their privacy or safety should be considering regarding their online histories and activities, and their electronic devices, apps, and communication methods; related issues involving surveillance, warrants, arrests, and e-discovery; what political activists in particular may be able to learn from technological or legal strategies used by activists in other countries, especially during times of political conflict and concerns over personal safety or other risks.

What the SAVE Act Could Mean for Voting Rights 

Consider writing about:

The SAVE Act; main focus of this piece of congressional legislation; how it could affect voting rights in the United States; practical takeaways for individuals vis a vis their current or outdated forms of identification and proof of citizenship; additional ways that individuals may be able to protect their voting rights.

Related information:

https://www.brennancenter.org/our-work/analysis-opinion/house-bill-would-hurt-american-voters

Transgender Rights Under Trump 2.0 

Consider writing about:

Trump administration actions or plans that stand to affect transgender rights; what individuals should know about the force of related Executive Orders and how they are implemented; practical information regarding personal identification documents, rights to serve in the military, and more; potential for confusion over state vs. federal laws and rights; grounds for legal challenges to the Trump administration’s actions.

Related information:

https://apnews.com/article/trump-transgender-passports-prisons-eggs-sperm-da1d1d280658a8c85c57cfec2f30cefb

What Someone Should Do if Stopped or Arrested by Authorities 

Consider writing about:

What happens when someone is arrested: what to say to police or other law enforcement officers; when it’s permitted to refuse police requests (and when it isn’t); how to invoke one’s right to remain silent; what to know about jurisdictional authority on the part of law enforcement officers; overview of the booking process and of individual rights when held by authorities; how Trump administration actions may be heightening risks for individuals as they pertain to interactions with law enforcement or government agents; how to report violations or police misconduct.

Minor Children’s Emancipation Rights: What to Know 

Consider writing about:

The emancipation process as pursued by family members; circumstances under which emancipation rights are commonly invoked; the rights and obligations of the child and the parents in these types of situations; grounds for an emancipation request; necessary or recommended steps on the road to finalization; potential downsides to an emancipation; whether the emancipation process can be undone once completed; alternatives to emancipation; what else the involved parties should know before embarking on the emancipation process.

CFPB Report Shines Spotlight on Student Loan Violations 

Consider writing about:

A report released in December by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau involving student loans; alleged violations described in the report; regulatory action that has been taken, or may be on the horizon, against alleged violators; how lenders can maintain proper control over their practices to keep them compliant with the law; what student loan recipients can do if they suspect their rights have been violated or that they have been wronged in some manner.

Related information:

https://www.consumerfinance.gov/about-us/newsroom/cfpb-uncovers-illegal-practices-across-student-loan-refinancing-servicing-and-debt-collection

https://files.consumerfinance.gov/f/documents/cfpb_supervisory-highlights-special-ed-student-lending-issue-36-winter_2024-12.pdf

Federal Judge Strikes Down Expansion of Title IX 

Consider writing about:

A Kentucky federal judge’s recent ruling that blocks the Biden administration’s revised Title IX regulations; background on the revisions and Title IX’s history; grounds for the judge’s finding that the Biden administration’s changes were unconstitutional; where the ruling leaves Title IX, protections for students, and educational institutions’ compliance obligations.

Related information:

https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/education/2025/01/09/biden-title-ix-rules-vacated/77580480007

https://www.cnn.com/2025/01/09/politics/title-ix-lgbtq-protections-ruling-kentucky/index.html

Online Harassment Trends: What to Know 

Consider writing about:

Trends involving online harassment; most prevalent forms of cyber harassment; how individuals (or in the case of minors, their parents or guardians) may be able to prevent or minimize harms from online harassment; how evolving technology may be shaping harassment cases; difficulties in identifying and prosecuting online harassers; potential civil or criminal penalties for cyber harassment; any convictions or lawsuits worth knowing about.

Trends and Rights Involving Abandoned Infants 

Consider writing about:

Trends involving the abandonment of infants in the United States; potential connection between these incidents and tightening restrictions on abortion access; legal penalties for abandonment; authorities’ role as regards an abandoned infant’s welfare; when an abandoned infant may be placed in foster care or permanent adoption; whether a birth parent may be able to re-establish parental rights over an abandoned infant; what to know about “safe surrender” laws or similar laws; how widespread these types of laws are; legal immunities that such laws provide to parents or other caretakers who surrender children; age limits or other limitations that may apply to safe surrender laws.

Related information:

https://www.msn.com/en-ie/health/other/number-of-babies-abandoned-in-texas-more-than-double-10-years-ago-as-abortion-restrictions-tighten/ar-AA1wJjrg

How to Legally Change Your Name: Individual Rights and the Law 

Consider writing about:

The process for legally changing one’s name; applicable laws and procedures (in the state, country, or region of your choice); limitations on the right to change one’s name; key entities to notify of the change; important documents to produce or to retain; potential complications to be aware of, either generally or depending on a specific set of circumstances.

Civil Forfeiture: Trends and Guidance 

Consider writing about:

Noteworthy rulings or legislation regarding the civil forfeiture process; how this process is commonly used, or abused; what to do when personal property and assets are seized by law enforcement under civil forfeiture laws; what can be taken and for what reasons, procedures for recovering seized property; how civil forfeiture differs from criminal forfeiture; potential conflicts between constitutional rights and forfeiture laws.

How to Vet Charities or Nonprofit Groups Before Donating [Ongoing] 

Consider writing about:

How to assure oneself that a particular charity or other type of nonprofit organization is worthy of donating to; research tips or available resources for gauging an organization’s legitimacy, performance record, and success at maximizing the value of a donation’s dollar value; recordkeeping pointers, tax tips, and other related practical issues, both for oneself and possibly for the sake of one’s family or heirs.

What to Know About Australia’s Social Media Ban 

Consider writing about:

A law passed by Australia’s Parliament that seeks to prevent minors from going on social media until they reach age 16; rationale for the new limits; when they would go into effect; how the new restrictions would be enforced; whether this law marks a first; whether other countries are considering doing something similar; how the tech companies are responding; how minors or their parents, guardians, teachers, or other adults in their lives can help them navigate social media and minimize its risks; how lawsuits are trending against social media platforms over their impacts on minors.

Related information:

https://apnews.com/article/social-media-ban-australia-kids-4dda8d92bd4b896ff502482b6736ab24

Protester Rights and Protections: A Refresher 

Consider writing about:

Political protesters’ rights to freedom of speech and assembly; precautions to take before participating in a political demonstration; the do’s and don’ts of recording police actions; what else to know about interacting with law enforcement during or after a protest; how individuals can best protect themselves while demonstrating; issues involving electronic devices, surveillance, and recorded activities; additional tips on personal safety; when protests are most likely to cross a legal line; whether states are increasingly restricting political protesters’ rights; whether the re-election of Donald Trump has ratcheted up the risks of participating in even peaceful demonstrations; how to prepare for the possibility of being arrested; actions and rights to keep in mind post-arrest.

Human Egg Donations: Rights and Risks to Know About [Ongoing] 

Consider writing about:

The legal rights of parties to human egg donations; legal protections and obligations that may apply to these types of agreements; important contract terms to cover; potential liability risks, common oversights, or other pitfalls that can arise in conjunction with egg donations; what else individuals should be aware of before entering into an egg donation agreement.

How to Contest a Will [Ongoing] 

Consider writing about:

How (and when) to challenge a will; common grounds for doing so; what constitutes undue influence; related points regarding notifications, timelines, legal rights, costs, and types of challenges. Consider whether to present a descriptive list of do’s and don’ts by itself, or whether to use a real-life case as an example of what to do, or as a cautionary tale illustrating what not to do.

Pointers on Providing Lasting Protection for Pets [Ongoing] 

Consider writing about:

Planning for pets’ needs in the event of an owner’s illness, displacement, incapacitation, or death; how pet owners (or their relatives or caretakers) can prepare for these transitions and help ensure a continued happy life for beloved pets; how to establish trusts addressing pets’ needs; conversations and documentation to undertake in advance; anticipating potential challenges (whether by family members or by outside parties) to a pet trust’s terms; practical takeaways from any legal disputes involving trusts that have been set up for pets.