Trusts have become increasingly popular additions to an estate plan in recent years due in large part to the abundant and diverse estate planning goals you can achieve using a trust. If you have some familiarity with trusts, you may already have questions as well. For example, you undoubtedly want to know what an administrator of a trust does so that you make the right choice when you appoint someone to administer the trust you create. Trust Fundamentals Learning some trust fundamentals helps … [Read more...]
Key Social Security Retirement Facts You Should Know
Retirement planning involves taking into consideration a number of important factors, including what it will likely cost you to live comfortably and what income you can expect to receive from various sources. One of those sources for most people is Social Security retirement benefits. The Sunset Hills elder law attorneys explain some of the key facts you should know if Social Security retirement benefits are a factor in your retirement plan. The Need for a Social Security System Social … [Read more...]
Nongrantor Trusts Can Be Very Useful in Certain Situations
A trust may be taxed as either a grantor trust or a nongrantor trust. Each type of trust has advantages and disadvantages. This article examines a nongrantor trust and situations in which it might be useful. Nongrantor Trusts Can Be Very Useful in Certain Situations … [Read more...]
Grantor Trusts Provide Flexibility and Ease
A trust may be taxed as either a grantor trust or a nongrantor trust. Each type of trust has advantages and disadvantages. This article examines a grantor trust and situations in which it might be useful. Grantor Trusts Provide Flexibility and Ease … [Read more...]
Selecting an Agent
Choosing the right Agent under a Power of Attorney is one of the most important choices. This article discusses the qualities of an ideal Agent and qualities to avoid in selecting an Agent. Read on to learn more. Selecting an Agent … [Read more...]
Celebrate Older Americans Month this May by Updating Your Estate Plan
Most of us grew up being told to “respect your elders.” Each May, however, the entire country actually celebrates the elders among us with National Older Americans Month. As the older population in the United States continues to grow at a heretofore unheard of rate, issues and concerns that impact seniors have taken on a heightened importance. Whether you are a senior yourself, or you have a loved one who is, take some extra time this May to celebrate and honor all the older Americans among us. … [Read more...]
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...]
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...]
New Tax Proposals
There are two new tax proposals being floated. One is an income tax proposal and the other is a wealth tax proposal. Read on to learn more about these proposals and whether they might impact you or your clients. New Tax Proposals … [Read more...]
