As your family and your estate grow, so should your estate plan. Over the course of your life, you will likely add a number of additional goals and objectives to your overall plan. One of the most popular additions to the average estate plan is probate avoidance. To help you decide if probate avoidance tools and strategies should be added to your plan, the probate attorneys at Amen, Gantner & Capriano, Your Estate Matters, LLC explain the most common reasons for avoiding … [Read more...] about Top Reasons for Avoiding Probate
Key Reasons Not to Wait to Make a Medicaid Plan
If you have an initial estate plan in place you are ahead of over half of Americans, according to recent surveys. While this is certainly good news, do not make the mistake of assuming that the initial estate plan you create will remain effective throughout your entire lifetime. As your estate and family grow, and your estate planning needs change, you will need to update your initial estate plan. For many people, Medicaid planning is a critical addition to their estate plan. The Affton … [Read more...] about Key Reasons Not to Wait to Make a Medicaid Plan
How to Make an Estate Plan That Takes Your Family’s Needs Into Account
Creating a comprehensive estate plan will likely be one of the most important endeavors you undertake over the course of your lifetime. When properly drafted and executed, an estate plan will protect you and your loved ones while you are alive, help protect and grow your assets, and provide for your family when you are gone. Estate planning is also a highly personal process that must take the needs of you and your loved ones into account. The St. Louis estate planning attorneys at Amen, Gantner … [Read more...] about How to Make an Estate Plan That Takes Your Family’s Needs Into Account
Planning for the International Client
Estate planning for the international client can be tricky. This article looks at the estate tax treatment of U.S. citizens and non-resident aliens. The article then looks at an example of someone who lived in the U.S. and then departed. Planning for the International Client … [Read more...] about Planning for the International Client
6 Important Estate Planning Considerations – Part 6: Taxes
An estate plan considers many important aspects. One of the many aspects to consider is the impact of taxes. This article examines some of the many ways consideration of taxes might impact an estate plan. 6 Important Estate Planning Considerations – Part 6: Taxes … [Read more...] about 6 Important Estate Planning Considerations – Part 6: Taxes
Dead Hand Control: How Much is Too Much?
This article examines trying to exert control over your beneficiaries after death. Often, clients try to dictate the exact manner in which funds are used. Usually, it is a better course to give the trustee discretion. Dead Hand Control: How Much is Too Much? … [Read more...] about Dead Hand Control: How Much is Too Much?
Planning for the Unexpected
This article examines the death of Charlotte Fox, one of the most famous mount climbers ever, who fell down her stairs at home. You never know what risks might be around the corner, so you should be prepared. The article looks at the elements of a basic plan. Planning for the Unexpected … [Read more...] about Planning for the Unexpected
Are You Getting All Your Veterans Benefits?
For the men and women who have served in the Armed Forces, as well as surviving spouses and dependents of those men and women, the United States offers a wide range of benefits and assistance programs. Most veterans are aware of the benefits available to them through some of the more well-known programs; however, veterans and their dependents may also be entitled to assistance from other, less well-known, programs as well. Discovering and applying for veterans benefits can be a confusing and … [Read more...] about Are You Getting All Your Veterans Benefits?
Donor Advised Funds: IRS Issues New Ruling
A new ruling addresses whether a donor advised fund may satisfy charitable pledges by the donor/advisor. It now may do so, as long as certain requirements are met. Read the article to learn more about how donor advised funds are a great tool for charitable giving. Donor Advised Funds: IRS Issues New Ruling … [Read more...] about Donor Advised Funds: IRS Issues New Ruling
No Charitable Deduction in 2018?
The tax bills passed by the House and Senate would eliminate deductibility of state income tax and nearly double the standard deduction, dramatically reducing the number of people who would benefit from itemizing their deductions. As a result, most people would get no tax benefit from their charitable contributions. This article examines how a Donor Advised Fund could allow donors to make a contribution this year, getting a tax benefit, and then release the funds to charities in the … [Read more...] about No Charitable Deduction in 2018?
