Did you know that if you haven’t created your own estate plan, the IRS and the state will default to the plan they have created for you? That can be a scary thought, let alone a scary reality. Intentional and thoughtful planning is the only way to ensure that your inheritance will be passed on, […]

If you die without a will, the laws of the state in which you lived will determine what happens to the assets inside your estate. Typically, the distribution will be passed along to your spouse and any children, although this can vary based on your location. One of the downsides of not having a will […]

Before determining that a revocable living trust is the right fit for you, you should evaluate several factors. The term “living trust” may be exchanged with “revocable trust”. This means that you create it during your lifetime and that you can change it during your lifetime as well. The living trust, when used properly, can […]

If you feel overwhelmed or confused by the process of business succession planning, you’re not alone. In fact, this is a common challenge facing many of America’s business owners. To further complicate matters, many business owners are not informed about the possible tax implications of a succession plan they choose. This is why it’s so […]

Most people would consider these items, also referenced as “belongings” to be important or of sentimental value, but they often get overlooked in the estate planning process. These items can be furniture, clothing, jewelry, silverware, cars, boats, pieces of art, or household furnishings. Even those these items tend to be left out of estate planning, […]

It’s important to recognize that after a loved one passes away, no more estate planning can be done, even if you believe that the current plan is flawed. If you’re a party to administering the estate, you have to get to work pretty quickly to accomplish the tasks likely in front of you. Depending on […]

There are new proposed regulations that will drastically affect applicants of Aid and Attendance veteran benefits. The proposed regulations that would amend 38 CFR Part 3, will require a three-year look-back period of asset and asset transfers for each pension applicant and apply strict net worth limits on the veteran and his or her spouse. […]

These days, physicians have a lot to worry about as they grow their assets. Many, after years of residency, are plunged into a higher income bracket, but this can come with risks. Litigation, for example, can expose all those new assets of a physician to serious risk. That’s why it’s so important to take steps […]

Lance Armstrong has done it- insulated his assets from being totally exposed to creditors. But there are reasons that other people outside of public figures should considering doing the same. While it’s very difficult to imagine all of your money being entirely protected from creditors, there are steps you can take to protect yourself with […]

Trust planning can be complex, which is why it should always be handled by an experienced estate lawyer. Depending on the type of trust you choose, there are many benefits you can reap from choosing this kind of tool. More and more, however, individuals are considering putting verbiage inside their trusts to have a spouse […]