More and more, Americans are choosing to be cared for and are dying in their own homes. If you wish to be cared for and die in your own home, it’s especially important to have a plan in place to facilitate that choice. Read this piece by my friend and colleague Steve Hartnett, an estate planning expert, to learn more. How Will You Age in Place and Be Able to Die at Home? … [Read more...]
CONGRESS PASSES THE SECURE ACT: HOW DOES IT AFFECT YOU?
The most significant action of Congress in 2019 relating to retirement and estate planning was the late December passage of the “Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement Act of 2019”, commonly known as the “Secure Act”. It was signed into law shortly thereafter and is effective January 1, 2020, for most purposes. In this and future newsletters, we will look into the provisions of the Secure Act and also some strategies to maximize benefits and minimize problems created by this … [Read more...]
Reasons an Estate Plan Could Be Challenged: Part 4 – Lack of Testamentary Capacity
An Estate Plan is an essential part of your planning process. But there are ways an Estate Plan can be challenged as being invalid. This is part of a series of articles by my friend and colleague Steve Hartnett, an estate planning expert, on ways an Estate Plan might be invalid and how to avoid these pitfalls. This fourth article in the series looks at testamentary capacity. Reasons an Estate Plan Could Be Challenged: Part 4 – Lack of Testamentary Capacity … [Read more...]
Reasons an Estate Plan Could Be Challenged: Part 3 – Fraud
An Estate Plan is an essential part of your planning process. But there are ways an Estate Plan can be challenged as being invalid. This is the third part of a series of articles on ways an Estate Plan might be invalid and how to avoid these pitfalls. This article looks at fraud. Reasons an Estate Plan Could Be Challenged: Part 3 – Fraud … [Read more...]
Getting Together with Family for the Holidays
The holidays are a special time with family and friends. You can take the opportunity to check on elderly loved ones. It’s also a great time to discuss planning. Read this piece by my friend and colleague Steve Hartnett, an estate planning expert, to learn more. Getting Together with Family for the Holidays … [Read more...]
Tax Planning for 2020
Planning is important for your income taxation during life as well as for any estate tax at death. Even though 2020 is just starting, it’s not too early to think about planning for whatever it may bring your way as shown by this article by my friend and colleague Steve Hartnett, an estate planning expert. Tax Planning for 2020 … [Read more...]
Reasons an Estate Plan Could Be Challenged: Part 2 – Undue Influence
An Estate Plan is an essential part of your planning process. But there are ways an Estate Plan can be challenged as being invalid. This is the second part of a series of articles by my friend and colleague Steve Hartnett, an estate planning expert, on ways an Estate Plan might be invalid and how to avoid these pitfalls. This article looks at “undue influence.” Reasons an Estate Plan Could Be Challenged: Part 2 – Undue Influence … [Read more...]
Reasons an Estate Plan Could Be Challenged: Part 1 – Formal Requirements
An Estate Plan is an essential part of your planning process. But there are ways an Estate Plan can be challenged as being invalid. This is part of a series of articles by my friend and colleague Steve Hartnett, an estate planning expert, on ways an Estate Plan might be invalid and how to avoid these pitfalls. Reasons an Estate Plan Could Be Challenged: Part 1 – Formal Requirements … [Read more...]
The Questions of Estate Planning, Part 6: Why
People often have questions about Estate Planning. This is the sixth in a series of articles addressing those questions. This sixth article by my friend and colleague Steve Hartnett, an estate planning expert, addresses “why” to do Estate Planning. Read on to learn more. The Questions of Estate Planning, Part 6: Why … [Read more...]
The Questions of Estate Planning, Part 5: How
People often have questions about Estate Planning. This is the fifth in a series of articles addressing those questions. This fifth article by my friend and colleague Steve Hartnett, an estate planning expert, addresses “how” to do Estate Planning. Read on to learn more. The Questions of Estate Planning, Part 5: How … [Read more...]
