This article by my friend and colleague Steve Hartnett, an estate planning expert, looks at the question of how much is too much to leave your children. Many people have pledged to give the majority of their wealth to charity. If you won’t leave all your assets to your children, the article provides resources for vetting worthwhile charities.How Much is Too Much? … [Read more...]
The Importance of Communicating Your Plans
Each of us will die eventually. This article by my friend and colleague Steve Hartnett, an estate planning expert, looks at how planning can make your passing easier for those whom you leave behind. Specifically, this article will look at the importance of communicating your plans with your loved ones to avoid disputes after your death.The Importance of Communicating Your Plans … [Read more...]
Disinheritance
Each of us will die eventually. This article looks at how planning can make your passing easier for those whom you leave behind. Specifically, this article by my friend and colleague Steve Hartnett, an estate planning expert, will look at how you can disinherit someone with the least disruption to the family.Disinheritance … [Read more...]
Your Planning Can Help Your Loved Ones
Each of us will die eventually. This article looks at how planning can make your passing easier for your loved ones. Specifically, this article by my friend and colleague Steve Hartnett, an estate planning expert, will look at the importance of the manner in which assets are left for your loved ones.Your Planning Can Help Your Loved Ones … [Read more...]
Planning for Step-Children
If your spouse has biological children, you may consider them your own. But, if you haven’t adopted them, they have no inheritance rights. This article by my friend and colleague Steve Hartnett, an estate planning expert, looks at how to plan for step-children.Planning for Step-Children … [Read more...]
Caring For a Distant Elder Family Member
In today’s society, family members are often scattered throughout the country and even abroad. This phenomenon can cause much stress and worry when an elder family member who is not nearby now needs additional assistance in managing his or her affairs.The first step to long-distance caregiving is to understand your loved one's situation and needs. Schedule a visit with your relative or friend spanning several days to observe how they make decisions, solve problems and complete daily tasks, … [Read more...]
Clarity is Key to Planning
Clarity is essential in an estate plan. This article by my friend and colleague Steve Hartnett, an estate planning expert, examines the case of Tom Petty, what he did right and what he did wrong. It shows that clarity can avoid problems later.Clarity is Key to Planning … [Read more...]
Consequences of Modifying an Irrevocable Trust
Irrevocable trusts often can be modified. They can be modified under the Uniform Trust Code or a state law decanting. While these modifications may be determinative of the state law consequences, they may not determine federal tax consequences. Read this blog, by my friend and colleague Steve Hartnett, an estate planning expert, to learn more.Consequences of Modifying an Irrevocable Trust … [Read more...]
Why Crowdfunding May Cost You Medi-Cal Eligibility
Each year, crowdfunding websites raise money for causes. Did you know such a website could impact your eligibility to receive Medi-Cal? Read this blog by my friend and colleague Steve Hartnett, an estate planning expert, to learn how crowdfunding can impact Medi-Cal eligibility.Why Crowdfunding May Cost You Medicaid Eligibility … [Read more...]
Many Reasons to Plan
Each of us will die eventually. This article by my friend and colleague Steve Hartnett, an estate planning expert, looks at how planning can make our passing easier for our loved ones. Specifically, this article looks at how planning can maintain privacy for your loved ones.Many Reasons to Plan … [Read more...]
