The SECURE Act passed in late December. The SECURE Act changes some lifetime rules, but the biggest change concerns rules for beneficiaries. Read on to learn more. … [Read more...] about The SECURE Act and What It Means for You
Tax Planning for 2020
Planning is important for your income taxation during life as well as for any estate tax at death. Even though 2020 is here, it’s not too early to think about planning for whatever it may bring your way. Tax Planning for 2020 … [Read more...] about Tax Planning for 2020
The Importance of Communicating Your Plans
Each of us will die eventually. This article looks at how planning can make your passing easier for those whom you leave behind. Specifically, this article will look at the importance of communicating your plans with your loved ones to avoid disputes after your death. The Importance of Communicating Your Plans … [Read more...] about The Importance of Communicating Your Plans
Consequences of Modifying an Irrevocable Trust
Irrevocable trusts often can be modified. They can be modified under the Uniform Trust Code or a state law decanting. While these modifications may be determinative of the state law consequences, they may not determine federal tax consequences. Read on to learn more. Consequences of Modifying an Irrevocable Trust … [Read more...] about Consequences of Modifying an Irrevocable Trust
How Much is Too Much?
This article looks at the question of how much is too much to leave your children. Many people have pledged to give the majority of their wealth to charity. If you won’t leave all your assets to your children, the article provides resources for vetting worthwhile charities. How Much is Too Much? … [Read more...] about How Much is Too Much?
Many Reasons to Plan
Each of us will die eventually. This article looks at how planning can make our passing easier for our loved ones. Specifically, this article looks at how planning can maintain privacy for your loved ones. Many Reasons to Plan … [Read more...] about Many Reasons to Plan
Why Crowdfunding May Cost You Medicaid Eligibility
Each year, crowdfunding websites raise money for causes. Did you know such a website could impact your eligibility to receive Medicaid? Read on to learn how crowdfunding can impact Medicaid eligibility. Why Crowdfunding May Cost You Medicaid Eligibility … [Read more...] about Why Crowdfunding May Cost You Medicaid Eligibility
Clarity is Key to Planning
Clarity is essential in an estate plan. This article examines the case of Tom Petty, what he did right and what he did wrong. It shows that clarity can avoid problems later. Clarity is Key to Planning … [Read more...] about Clarity is Key to Planning
What Are the Duties and Responsibilities of an Executor?
When you think about creating your Last Will and Testament you likely think about all the decisions you will need to make related to the distribution of your estate assets. What you may not be thinking about is who to appoint as the Executor of your estate. Like most people, you may simply fill in the name of a spouse, family member, or close friend as the Executor in your Will without giving the matter much thought. To encourage you to choose carefully, the Kirkwood estate planning attorneys at … [Read more...] about What Are the Duties and Responsibilities of an Executor?
What is a GST Trust?
A Generation-Skipping or “GST” trust can be a good way to keep assets out of the taxable estate of a beneficiary and yet still allow them to be used for the beneficiary’s benefit during life. Read on to learn more about this type of trust and whether it might make sense for you. What is a GST Trust? … [Read more...] about What is a GST Trust?
