The Federal Reserve’s most recent decision to increase interest rates does carry implications for individuals who are considered affluent. This mostly has to do with their estate planning. Interest rates can definitely impact strategies in place for minimizing estate taxes and maximizing the benefits associated with income tax bricks. Guarantor retained annuity trusts and […]

After discussing your Medicaid application and preparing for it in advance with your elder law attorney, there may be an appropriate time you should begin the application process. There are several things you should know about the Medicaid application process in order to set yourself up for success. One of the things that surprises most […]

Many small business owners know the struggle of keeping track of multiple priorities working long hours and taking risks. However, even the most successful small business owners can be tempted to drag their feet when it comes to business succession planning. Some of the most common reasons for this process being skipped over are that […]

The first step in any plan to protect your assets should involve obtaining the right insurance. Many self-employed individuals, for example, do not realize that they need specific insurance in order to protect their assets. One such example is a physician. While most physicians understand that medical malpractice insurance is something they must have, other […]

Our technological world now adds our digital legacies and a key is to go through all the questions that will, in their entirety, result in solid, satisfying panning for end of life. There are many online entities that can help but their function is a preliminary one that should be supplemented by an estate planning […]

Estate planning is a demonstration of personal values. As humans we have the unique ability to conceive and do the right thing like writing down a plan and matching our deeds to it. Quite apart from the real world penalty, estate plans can promote integrity by incentivizing positive activities and beneficiaries or by philanthropic gifts. […]

A business reflects its owner, and a clear plan can keep that concern on the path that was chosen. Lack of a succession plan could morph the business into something different or leave it in the hands of someone who would not reflect the founder’s intent or attitude.  The type of plan used will depend […]

With persons over 50 possessing 70% of the wealth in the majority of families across the United States, family members and predators alike may attempt activities equal to abuse. Key signs to look for in order to prevent abuse in these situations include a sudden appearance of a new best friend, utility disconnect notices or […]

The key in planning ahead for the well-being of your beloved pet is to find a caring organization or person and to candidly talk to ensure willingness and ability to take that responsibility. A will can bequeath the pet and funds for its care but it cannot usually be enforced. A pet trust, however, has […]

The just-announced Chan-Zuckerberg Initiative may change the face of high network giving, as rather than granting funds to an outside entity they acted to give to themselves. The CZI was structured as an LLC which does give up some tax benefit but in return gains certain freedoms, like the ability to lobby legislation, engage in […]