The pandemic has been difficult for many of us, including many small businesses. Sometimes it’s difficult to follow all the news. But, there’s little-known pandemic relief for employers struggling from the pandemic. My friend and colleague Steve Hartnett, an estate planning expert explores this important issue. Read on to learn more. … [Read more...] about Pandemic Relief for Employers
Estate Planning
Using Disclaimers to Achieve Your Goals: Double Disclaimers
Disclaimers can be a good way of getting assets where you want them to go. If the disclaimer is a “qualified disclaimer,” you aren't treated as having made a taxable gift. Sometimes a “double disclaimer” is necessary to achieve the desired outcome. My friend and colleague Steve Harnett, explores this useful planning technique. Read on to learn more. … [Read more...] about Using Disclaimers to Achieve Your Goals: Double Disclaimers
“Last Will and Testament” Origin
Why do you have a “Last Will and Testament.” Even Estate Planning attorneys are unlikely to know the etymology of the term. It was the subject of a recent question on “Jeopardy.” To learn more, see the following blog by my friend and colleague Steve Hartnett, an estate planning specialist. Read on to learn more. … [Read more...] about “Last Will and Testament” Origin
Preparing for the Unexpected…and the Eventual
The world is an unusual place. Things you’d never expect to happen sometimes actually do happen. There are natural disasters and unusual phenomenon. It’s important to prepare, not just for the unexpected but the eventual, as well. Read on to learn more. My friend and colleague Steve Hartnett, an estate planning expert, shares his thoughts. … [Read more...] about Preparing for the Unexpected…and the Eventual
Joint Tenancy Problems in Estate Planning
Sometimes people use Joint Tenancy as an easy, simple way to do Estate Planning. However, this can have serious, unexpected drawbacks. Read on to learn more. My friend and colleague Steve Hartnett, an estate planning expert, discusses these drawbacks. … [Read more...] about Joint Tenancy Problems in Estate Planning
Starting the New Year Right
As we enter 2021 and hopefully leave the current pandemic behind, it’s still a good time to start off right. If you don’t already have an estate plan, now’s a great time to make an appointment with an estate planning attorney to get one. Read on to learn more. My friend and colleague Steve Hartnett, an estate planning expert shares important news. … [Read more...] about Starting the New Year Right
Changes to Make Following the Death of a Spouse
The loss of a spouse is one of the most emotional experiences you will probably have to go through over the course of your life. The last thing you may wish to think about while you are grieving the loss of a spouse is something as seemingly mundane as updating your estate plan. Failing to do so, however, could lead to some unintended and unwanted consequences. Let's explore some common changes that you may wish to your estate plan following the death of a spouse. Last Will and Testament – … [Read more...] about Changes to Make Following the Death of a Spouse
Tax Planning for 2021
Planning is important for your income taxation during life as well as for any estate tax at death. Even though 2021 is just starting, it’s not too early to think about planning for whatever it may bring your way. My friend and colleague Steve Hartnett, an estate planning expert, has some thoughts. Read on to learn more. … [Read more...] about Tax Planning for 2021
Married People Don’t Need Estate Plans, Right?
No way! Married people need estate plans. Some folks think that because they own assets jointly with a spouse, they don’t need an estate plan. In fact, joint ownership is called a “poor man’s estate plan.” In reality, it should just be called a “poor estate plan.” Joint tenancy ownership is riddled with perils. Likely, the most serious peril is the unintentional disinheritance of your children. Sadly, it happens too often because of joint ownership. This is what can happen when you … [Read more...] about Married People Don’t Need Estate Plans, Right?
Where You Should Leave Your Burial Instructions or Final Arrangements
Contrary to popular belief, you should not include your burial instructions or other final arrangements in your Will. Instead, leave your burial instructions or other instructions regarding your final arrangements in a separate instrument. The reason for this is timing. Most likely, your heirs or executor may not find your will immediately, and by the time someone locates it, it may be too late. You need to make sure you give your funeral instructions to someone who can locate it … [Read more...] about Where You Should Leave Your Burial Instructions or Final Arrangements
