Irrevocable trusts often can be modified. They can be modified under the Uniform Trust Code or a state law decanting. While these modifications may be determinative of the state law consequences, they may not determine federal tax consequences. Read on to learn more. Consequences of Modifying an Irrevocable Trust … [Read more...] about Consequences of Modifying an Irrevocable Trust
What Are the Duties and Responsibilities of an Executor?
When you think about creating your Last Will and Testament you likely think about all the decisions you will need to make related to the distribution of your estate assets. What you may not be thinking about is who to appoint as the Executor of your estate. Like most people, you may simply fill in the name of a spouse, family member, or close friend as the Executor in your Will without giving the matter much thought. To encourage you to choose carefully, the Kirkwood estate planning attorneys at … [Read more...] about What Are the Duties and Responsibilities of an Executor?
What is a GST Trust?
A Generation-Skipping or “GST” trust can be a good way to keep assets out of the taxable estate of a beneficiary and yet still allow them to be used for the beneficiary’s benefit during life. Read on to learn more about this type of trust and whether it might make sense for you. What is a GST Trust? … [Read more...] about What is a GST Trust?
Common Mistakes When Making a Will
For most people, a Last Will and Testament is the first estate planning document they create. In fact, it may be the only estate planning document they create for some time. Whether your Will serves as your entire estate plan, or just the foundation of a more elaborate plan, care should be taken to avoid making mistakes. The St. Louis estate planning attorneys at Amen, Gantner & Capriano, Your Estate Matters, LLC have put together a list of the most common mistakes people make when making a … [Read more...] about Common Mistakes When Making a Will
What Can an Estate Plan Do for You?
If you have yet to create an estate plan, you are hardly alone. Over half of all Americans do not have even a simple plan in place, despite acknowledging the need for one. Like many of those people, you may have put off creating your estate plan because you are not aware of all the benefits an estate plan offers. A better understanding of exactly what an estate plan can do for you may encourage you to finally get started on your plan, Estate Planning Components Estate planning is a highly … [Read more...] about What Can an Estate Plan Do for You?
Domestic Asset Protection Trusts
Domestic Asset Protection Trusts are spreading to more jurisdictions. However, their protections may be waning. Read on to learn more about Domestic Asset Protection Trusts. Domestic Asset Protection Trusts … [Read more...] about Domestic Asset Protection Trusts
The Little Things May be the Most Important
Your estate may be worth a little or a lot at your death. The items which your beneficiaries might cherish could be the sentimental ones. Read on to learn how your will or trust could provide the ability for you to keep a list and update it without needing to see your lawyer every time you change your mind on an item. The Little Things May be the Most Important … [Read more...] about The Little Things May be the Most Important
Do Veterans Benefits Transfer to a Surviving Spouse?
If you are the surviving spouse of a veteran, the United States owes you a debt that can never truly be repaid. Though there is no way to repay you for the sacrifice you made as the spouse of a serviceman or servicewoman, the U.S. does offer a number of benefits to veterans as well as to surviving spouses. If your spouse is no longer here to help support you financially, he/she would undoubtedly want you to receive all the veterans benefits to which you are entitled as a surviving … [Read more...] about Do Veterans Benefits Transfer to a Surviving Spouse?
Naming a Trust as Beneficiary of an IRA
Whom should you name as the beneficiary of your IRA or Qualified Plan? Sometimes, it can be best to name a trust for your intended beneficiary. Read on to see the protections a trust can offer that a direct designation of the individual would not. Naming a Trust as Beneficiary of an IRA … [Read more...] about Naming a Trust as Beneficiary of an IRA
Estate Planning is Too Important to Procrastinate
Only 44% of Americans have even a simple Will. We procrastinate for several reasons. Learn those reasons and how to push past them. Learn, briefly, why planning is important. Estate Planning is Too Important to Procrastinate … [Read more...] about Estate Planning is Too Important to Procrastinate
