Educational Alerts
Some of the most important decisions a client will make are the selection of the trustee and the standard the trustee will have to make decisions. Read further to learn how these decisions influence a client’s estate plan.
Selling a large asset can trigger taxes at a high rate. See how a typical client can slash their taxes by using alternatives, such as a Charitable Remainder Trust.
This month’s Alert examines the case of Charles Kuralt. Kuralt lead two separate lives. Had he planned better, he could have reduced the financial turmoil left at his death. This month’s Alert explains how proper planning can reduce the financial sting even if the emotional sting remains.
A recent New York Times article points out that some nursing homes are using guardianships to gain control of the assets of seniors in order to pay for past due medical bills. While it is sometimes appropriate for a nursing home or hospital to bring a guardianship petition on behalf of a senior, these nursing homes are using the court process as a debt collection mechanism. As we are growing older and living longer, it is vitally important for us to have proper planning in place for incapacity as well as long-term care planning. With a proper plan, the senior can qualify for government assistance to pay for long-term care costs and avoid the possibility of a guardianship being initiated by a nursing home.
Download educational eAlert template A in Microsoft Word format Download educational eAlert template B in Microsoft Word format With the rise of companies such as Legal Zoom, TotalLegal, LawDepot, and DoYourOwnWill.com, more and more consumers are attempting to create their own estate plans without the assistance of a lawyer.
This month’s alert examines the estates of Lauren Bacall and Joan Rivers and looks at the lessons we can learn from each of them.
The U.S. Supreme Court recently released two decisions concerning same-sex marriages. This alert examines the landscape of same-sex marriage and estate planning for LGBT couples in light of Windsor and Petty.
This month’s Alert examines the rules regarding distributions from IRAs and retirement plans. In particular, it examines reasons to make a trust the beneficiary and rules regarding who is the measuring life for minimum required distribution purposes.
This month’s Alert examines two high-profile cases which illustrate the importance of naming guardians for minor children.
This month’s Alert examines how the “fiscal cliff” legislation could result in changes for estate plans. Depending on the couple, it might mean they could simplify their plan. However, there are many non-tax reasons that they may want to keep a more complex plan.
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