Category Archives: Estate Planning
What Is a Separate Revocable Living Trust?
When a couple engages in foundational estate planning, one of the first questions addressed by estate planning attorneys is whether it makes sense for the couple to use a revocable living trust (RLT) as a part of their plan. If using an RLT makes sense, an important follow-up question to married couples should be… Read More »
What is Basis, and How Does it Impact My Estate Plan & Taxes?
“Basis” is a term used frequently in tax law. But for many, the term is unfamiliar and intimidating—perhaps something they feel is better left to a certified public accountant to worry about. Nevertheless, a basic understanding of the concept can be very helpful for understanding important estate planning strategies used by your attorney and… Read More »
When You May Not Be Able to Use a Financial Power of Attorney
Besides directing what happens to your finances when you pass away, a comprehensive estate plan also addresses the possibility that you could become unable to handle your financial affairs while you are still alive. You may have signed a financial power of attorney that allows one or more people to act on your behalf… Read More »
The Difference Between a Prenuptial Agreement and a Will or Trust
There was a time when most people heard the term “prenuptial agreement” only when watching soap operas or Hollywood movies or reading a novel. For many of us, prenuptial agreements seemed to be reserved only for the ultra-wealthy, where the continuation of dynastic family wealth was at stake. Today, however, prenuptial agreements are much… Read More »
Annual Exclusion Gifts: Give Gifts That Your Family Will Love (but the IRS Won’t Tax)
Do not let constant political and financial speculation prevent you from making tax-free medical payment, educational and annual exclusion gifts to or for the benefit of your loved ones. How to Make Annual Exclusion Gifts Annual exclusion gifts are transfers of money or property in an amount or value that does not exceed the… Read More »
Why Estate Planning for the LGBTQIA+ Community is Critical
Whatever your orientation, estate planning is crucial to protect your loved ones. Estate planning for the LGBTQIA+ community can legally protect against discrimination even if others are reluctant to recognize your relationship and your desire to permit your partner to make decisions for your care should you become unable to. Estate planning can also… Read More »
Understanding the Different Types of Trusts: Living, Testamentary, and Constructive
In the world of estate planning, terms that refer to legal documents such as wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and healthcare directives can be confusing and even overwhelming at times. What is a will, and how does it differ from a trust? What distinguishes a springing power of attorney from an immediate power of… Read More »
Irrevocable Life Insurance Trusts and Wealth Management
It may be time to reconsider how you plan to pass generational wealth to your heirs since the federal estate tax exemption allowance appears to be in jeopardy of being lowered. Congress is proposing to lower the current estate tax exemption from $11.7 million to $3.5 million for individuals and $23.4 million to $7… Read More »
Types of Life Insurance and How They Can Be Used in Estate Planning
Many of us do not start thinking about life insurance until we get our first full-time job and the company’s human resources representative asks us if we want to enroll in the employer’s group life insurance policy. Most people think “Why not?” and sign up, naming a family member as the beneficiary of their… Read More »
To Have, but Not to Hold? Common Law Marriage and Estate Planning
Marriage as a legal institution has taken a variety of forms throughout history. As society evolves, how we identify marriage in our society also changes. In some states, a couple may be deemed married without having participated in judicial or religious ceremonies, called common law marriage. This creates some potential issues when planning for… Read More »
