Trusts have become ubiquitous parts of estate plans. Many Estate Plans use revocable trusts as the foundation for the plan while others include irrevocable trusts. Regardless of the planning reason, every trust needs a trustee. The grantor may name the beneficiary as trustee, or the grantor may name another individual or entity as trustee, creating a natural tension between the beneficiary and trustee. If the tension becomes too great, the beneficiary may seek to have the trustee removed. As … [Read more...] about What Happens When You Don’t Trust Your Trustee – Part I
Show Your Love by Creating an Estate Plan
Instead of thinking about chocolates or flowers this Valentine’s Day, let’s focus on a practical way to demonstrate our love by creating an Estate Plan. 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 particular situation, along with your goals and any long-term concerns that you may have. If you already have an Estate Plan, demonstrate your love by ensuring that the plan accomplishes your objectives. If the plan … [Read more...] about Show Your Love by Creating an Estate Plan
What You Need to Know About SECURE Act 2.0
IRAs have become ubiquitous components of estate plans. The SECURE Act of 2019 altered the landscape for IRAs significantly. Just when advisors began to get comfortable with the new 10-year rule, the United States Treasury Department promulgated proposed Treasury Regulations early in 2022 adding additional complexity to that rule by requiring annual distributions for a non-EDB of a participant who died after their Required Beginning Date. Once again, the SECURE Act includes additional provisions … [Read more...] about What You Need to Know About SECURE Act 2.0
The Lessons from Lisa Marie
Regular readers of this blog often see articles regarding the latest celebrity whose death created a mess because their Estate Plan failed to properly protect the celebrity’s family and loved ones. It seems that an individual with fame and money could easily avoid that result; however, that’s not always the case. The fallout caused by inadequate Estate Plans of celebrities provides great lessons for Estate Planning practitioners and their clients because the drama unfolds on a public stage. … [Read more...] about The Lessons from Lisa Marie
Common Mistakes in Estate Planning – Part II
When people think about an Estate Plan, they often have tunnel vision and focus on just a few of the many considerations that influence the plan. Most individuals focus on their assets and figuring out to whom they want those assets to pass. While those things matter, thinking about the intended beneficiary and their individual circumstances also matters. Certain types of beneficiaries require additional planning. Read on to learn more. … [Read more...] about Common Mistakes in Estate Planning – Part II
Common Mistakes in Estate Planning – Part I
Despite knowing that they should have an estate plan, many individuals look for shortcuts to creating an Estate Plan. They rely upon advice from seemingly well-intentioned individuals that if avoiding probate is their main goal and they don’t have a taxable estate, they need not seek out an attorney to create an Estate Plan. While options exist to avoid probate, probate avoidance is just one of many considerations in creating an Estate Plan. Read on to learn more. … [Read more...] about Common Mistakes in Estate Planning – Part I
The Importance of Having an Estate Plan
We all know that we should create an Estate Plan, yet so many of us procrastinate in undertaking such an important task. Creating an Estate Plan represents a simple, yet effective way to provide comfort and stability to your family upon your death by ensuring that your assets pass in the way that you want to whom you want. Unfortunately, so many encounter a tragedy or crisis before prioritizing their Estate Plan, sometimes it is too late. As headlines often remind us, even those with significant … [Read more...] about The Importance of Having an Estate Plan
Tis the Season for Giving
Most taxpayers understand that to receive the benefit of charitable deductions, they need to itemize their income tax deductions. Creating a charitable giving strategy can be a great way for taxpayers to save on taxes while benefiting their community. Certain techniques can be used in conjunction with others to maximize the benefit of charitable giving. Read on to learn more. … [Read more...] about Tis the Season for Giving
Tax Planning for 2023
Planning is important for your income taxation during life as well as for any estate tax at death. Even though 2023 is just starting, it’s not too early to think about planning for whatever it may bring your way. Read on to learn more. … [Read more...] about Tax Planning for 2023
Now That Mid-Terms Are Over, Let’s Talk Taxes
As inflation continues to rise, more and more individuals seek ways to stretch their dollar further. One of the many factors to consider is their overall tax burden. Sometimes, simply moving to another state, if otherwise feasible, can make a significant impact on an individual’s bottom line. Wonder how your state measures up? Read on to learn more. … [Read more...] about Now That Mid-Terms Are Over, Let’s Talk Taxes
