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...]
What Should I Do after Being Diagnosed with Alzheimer’s?
Although Alzheimer’s disease is not new, the rate at which people are being diagnosed with the disease is something we have never seen before in the United States. Understandably, anyone who is middle age or older likely harbors some fear of developing the disease. If you (or a loved one) were recently diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, you are probably experiencing a range of heightened emotions. Sometimes it helps to focus on what you can control instead of what you cannot. Toward that end, the … [Read more...]
Beneficiary Designations, etc., Aren’t a True Substitute for a Trust
TOD / POD, beneficiary designations, and joint tenancy can be simple ways to transfer assets at death. However, these simple methods lack some of the benefits of a trust. Read on to learn more.Beneficiary Designations, etc., Aren’t a True Substitute for a Trust … [Read more...]
State Income Taxation of Nongrantor Trusts
States are all over the board in their taxation of income. This is doubly true when it comes to the taxation of nongrantor trusts. By using nongrantor trusts, you could avoid the state income taxation of property in that trust. Read on to learn more.State Income Taxation of Nongrantor Trusts … [Read more...]
State Income Taxation
States are all over the board in their taxation of income. Some tax at a low rate, some tax at a high rate, and some don’t tax at all. Read on to learn more about state income taxation and how you could avoid it.State Income Taxation … [Read more...]
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...]
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...]
SALT Deduction Limit…Can You Get Around It?
The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act increased the standard deduction amount. However, it also limited itemized deductions for state and local taxes (SALT) on the federal income tax return. Read on to learn what works (and what doesn’t work) to maneuver around the $10,000 SALT limitation.SALT Deduction Limit…Can You Get Around It? … [Read more...]
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...]
6 Important Estate Planning Considerations – Part 4: Beneficiary Designations
Beneficiary designations can be a simple way to pass assets at death. While beneficiary designations avoid probate, they may introduce other problems. This article shows how a revocable trust can provide a more flexible way to achieve a client’s goals.6 Important Estate Planning Considerations – Part 4: Beneficiary Designations … [Read more...]
