Plain-spoken answers to the questions families ask us. These articles are educational material, not legal advice, and shouldn’t be relied on as legal counsel.
Do you have a hobby that you feel passionate about? Do you love reading and collecting books? Are you a rabid coin or stamp collector? Do you find peace and tranquility out tending your garden? Whatever it is that you love, you can bet the people who love you are aware of it.
As summer comes to an end and kids and parents both start getting ready for back-to-school week, estate planning may be the last thing on anybody’s mind; but the beginning of a new school year can actually be the perfect time to give your estate planner a call.
Should you talk to your heirs about your estate plan? The subject of inheritance is one that most people studiously avoid for a number of different reasons: superstition, fear, lack of knowledge, or a desire for secrecy.
Gender equality has come a long way in the past few decades and years, but still, when most people think of estate planning they think of wealthy older men along the lines of Joe Kennedy or John Rockefeller. The truth is, however, that estate planning is a subject which has a significant impact on women.
You’ve heard all the arguments in favor of estate planning, you know it’s the right thing to do, you want to get your planning done… you just aren’t sure how to get started.
Income, estate, and other federal tax levies have commonly been a bone of contention between those with different political ideologies. But the current conflict has reached unusual heights, with various million and billionaires publicly expressing their views (pro or against) about current tax laws.
The past few years have been tough on the average American family–what with the floundering economy and the roller coaster ride we’ve all been through with the stock market–but through it all some families and individuals have fared better than others; and many of these lucky ones are eager to extend a helping hand to…
A recent article in Forbes has shed light on a fact that estate planners have always known: there is far more to creating a good estate plan than just drafting the documents. In fact, according to the article, there is a fine art to putting together a good estate plan.
You may think that trusts and estate plans are only for the wealthy, but if you own real estate (including the home you live in) then your family could benefit from the protection and direction a revocable living trust provides.
Does your family know your preferences for end-of-life care in case of emergency? Are you sure? If you haven’t created an Advance Healthcare Directive or spoken to your loved ones specifically about this issue, then chances are they don’t know your wishes, no matter how close you believe you are.
The past few years have seen a number of significant changes in estate tax law; so much so that estate planners—as well as anyone with a will, trust, or estate plan themselves—have had to stay on their toes!
Married couples take note: Congress passed a law in 2010 that can significantly reduce the amount your estate pays in estate taxes. Unfortunately, most couples are either completely unaware of this opportunity for savings, or they find out about it too late to take advantage of it.