We often recommend a trust as part of a comprehensive Estate Plan. This article is the second in a two-part series that examines the effect that title has on an Estate Plan. The first step is understanding what forms of ownership your state recognizes and the potential benefits and detriments of each. The second is determining which form of ownership best accomplishes the goals of the client. Read on to learn more. … [Read more...] about How Do I Title Thee…Part II
How Do I Title Thee…Part 1
We often consider Estate Planning documents such as a Will, Trust, Property Power of Attorney, and health care documents to be the building blocks of an Estate Plan. While a necessary and important part of Estate Planning, thinking of the documents as the starting point for an Estate Plan skips several important steps. This article is the first in a two-part series. The first part examines the various ways to hold title to assets and the second part examines the effect that title may have on an … [Read more...] about How Do I Title Thee…Part 1
How Do I Trust Thee…Part II
When clients undertake Estate Planning, they face the difficult decision of naming one or more individuals to serve in various fiduciary positions. If a client sets up an irrevocable trust during life, the client may prefer to serve as trustee instead of naming a third party. Serving as trustee gives comfort to the trustor that they maintain a level of control over the assets transferred to the irrevocable trust; however, depending upon the provisions of the trust, naming a trustor as trustee of … [Read more...] about How Do I Trust Thee…Part II
Estate Planning – Something You Shouldn’t Do Yourself
It’s tempting to think that by taking the time to hand-write your Will or preparing a do-it-yourself plan, you can avoid many of the issues that arise with a Will. In fact, the opposite may be true. By handwriting your Will or preparing a do-it-yourself plan, you may be creating more issues for your family. Read on to learn more. … [Read more...] about Estate Planning – Something You Shouldn’t Do Yourself
Application of the Updated Life Expectancy Tables
Since the creation of Individual Retirement Accounts in 1971, they have become an increasingly important part of a well-balanced Estate Plan. Taxpayers contribute to the IRA. Upon attaining a certain age, the taxpayer begins taking distributions based upon tables promulgated by the Internal Revenue Service. The Internal Revenue Service recently updated those tables which will significantly impact certain taxpayers. Read on to learn more. … [Read more...] about Application of the Updated Life Expectancy Tables
Start 2022 the Right Way
The New Year gives us an opportunity to start fresh. If you don’t yet have an estate plan, now’s a great time to make an appointment with an Estate Planning attorney to talk about your goals and concerns. If you already have one, the New Year gives you an opportunity to review it to ensure that it still accomplishes your goals or to make any necessary changes. Read on to learn more … [Read more...] about Start 2022 the Right Way
Tax Proposals Could Alter Estate Planning Landscape
Senators Sanders and Whitehouse have introduced legislation in the Senate which would significantly alter the Estate Planning landscape. It would dramatically change the tools we use to plan for our clients. Time is of the essence. Read on to learn more. … [Read more...] about Tax Proposals Could Alter Estate Planning Landscape
It’s Better to Give, Especially This Year
Normally, you must itemize your deductions in order to benefit from them. In 2020, the standard deduction amount is $12,400 for individuals and $24,800 for married couples filing jointly. But this year, you can get a charitable deduction even if you don’t itemize. Read on to learn more. … [Read more...] about It’s Better to Give, Especially This Year
What Is a HIPAA Release?
The acronym HIPAA stands for the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996. In this post, we will explain why this piece of legislation is something to take into consideration when you are planning your estate. Advance Directives for Health Care Everyone is well aware of the fact that you have to facilitate postmortem asset transfers when you put your estate plan in place. A lot of people think this is the long and short of it, but a proper estate plan will also address … [Read more...] about What Is a HIPAA Release?
Shrunken Asset Values Open Estate Planning Opportunities
COVID-19, the novel coronavirus, has been a challenge confronting countries around the world. Not only has COVID-19 been challenging healthcare systems, but the social distancing required to combat the virus has also rocked financial markets. However, there may be an opportunity for those wishing to do certain types of Estate Planning. Read on to learn more. … [Read more...] about Shrunken Asset Values Open Estate Planning Opportunities
