Friends, family, acquaintances, and the internet are a breeding ground for estate planning myths. These myths can lead to a failure to plan or a plan that fails. To set the record straight, we are dispelling 7 estate planning myths in this three part article. 1. Estate planning is only for the rich. Myth!!! Estate planning is really for anyone who cares about someone else. If you want to take the burden off your loved ones’ shoulders, keeping expenses, hassle, and time delay to a … [Read more...] about Common Estate Planning Myths (part 1 of 3)
Tax Avoidance
Answers To Your Living Trust Questions (3 of 3)
Trusts have been around for hundreds of years; specifically, the living trust gained popularity in the 1970s as a probate avoidance technique. Today, living trusts are often used as a foundational document in estate plans. We've found that many folks have both questions and misconceptions about the living trust; so, in this three part series, we answer your living trust questions. Does everyone need a living trust? Most folks would likely benefit from having a living trust; however, if … [Read more...] about Answers To Your Living Trust Questions (3 of 3)
When “No” is the Best Answer
At our law firm, we dedicate most of our time to helping our clients plan their estates, address issues involving incapacity and long term care planning, and helping to administer their estates and trusts after their gone. However, we also regularly get questions from our clients when they are the beneficiaries or heirs of someone else’s estate. When receiving an inheritance, few people consider that there may be a big decision looming. You are still mourning the passing of someone dear to … [Read more...] about When “No” is the Best Answer
Answers To Your Living Trust Questions (1 of 3)
Trusts have been around for hundreds of years; specifically, the living trust gained popularity in the 1970s as a probate avoidance technique. Today, living trusts are often used as a foundational document in estate plans. We’ve found that many folks have both questions and misconceptions about the living trust; so, in this three part series, we answer your living trust questions. I am confused about the different types of trusts. Is a living trust always called “living trust”? Great … [Read more...] about Answers To Your Living Trust Questions (1 of 3)
Don’t Cross Over the Line Between Tax Avoidance and Tax Evasion
What is tax avoidance? It is the employment of lawful tactics to legally avoid or lower taxes. This includes various estate planning strategies, legitimate charitable deductions and charitable trusts or foundations, accelerating tax deductions, deferring income, and creating legal entities, to name a few. What is tax evasion? It is any plan to reduce taxes through illegal means. The IRS often refers to them as abusive tax shelters. There is a long history of hucksters and grifters who … [Read more...] about Don’t Cross Over the Line Between Tax Avoidance and Tax Evasion
13 Disturbing Estate Planning Problems
Each of these 13 disturbing estate planning facts is true; but, each situation can be avoided with a strong, individualized, comprehensive, and up-to-date estate plan. If you don’t name a guardian in your will, your minor children could end up with persons you either don't like or don't know. If you don’t provide for your pet in your estate plan, your pet may be euthanized when you die. If you put assets in joint tenancy with a second spouse, your children may be disinherited. If … [Read more...] about 13 Disturbing Estate Planning Problems
The importance of reviewing your IRA Beneficiary Designations
Whether you realize it or not, you have a beneficiary designation on your IRAs (i.e. individual retirement accounts.) It would be prudent for you to check the beneficiary designations to ensure that they are in line with your current intent, goals, and estate planning documents. Stretch out goals IRAs make great inheritances for children and grandchildren who, with proper planning, can stretch the IRA distributions out over their life expectancy. The tax deferred growth is amazing and … [Read more...] about The importance of reviewing your IRA Beneficiary Designations
FAQ: Charitable Planning
You may think that charitable planning has sunk into nonexistence. The extremely large (i.e. $11.18 million in 2018 an) lifetime federal estate exemption has made many question the need for charitable planning. However, charities are pleased to announce that charitable giving remains strong in the United States. What are the common ways to participate in charitable giving? Lifetime gifts Private foundations Donor advised funds Bequests Charitable remainder trusts … [Read more...] about FAQ: Charitable Planning
Updating Your Estate Plan is Important, Especially in 2019
In the past several years there have been some significant fluctuations in estate planning and estate tax laws. In the beginning of 2018, Congress and the president came to an agreement that included terms that increased the estate and gift tax exemptions. Because of this, it’s very important for you to take a good look at your estate plan in 2019, especially if it has been several years since you updated or revised it. Individual Exclusions The new estate tax agreement allows each … [Read more...] about Updating Your Estate Plan is Important, Especially in 2019
Taxes and Inheritances: Planning and Coping
When someone passes on, his or her assets are typically left behind to a beneficiary. If you find yourself the recipient of money, you may have a big question on your mind: will I have to pay taxes? Before we go any further, remember this: it is a good idea to speak with a qualified estate planning attorney to ensure that you are paying all necessary taxes. Whether or not you are required to pay inheritance tax depends on how much money you are receiving, the state in which you live, and … [Read more...] about Taxes and Inheritances: Planning and Coping
