Transferring real estate to a trust has become a widely used tool in estate planning. Unfortunately, it’s easy to overlook important aspects of the transfer that lead to unintended consequences. My friend and colleague Tereina Stidd, an estate planning expert, reveals how, with careful planning, you can avoid these traps. Read on to learn more. … [Read more...] about The Importance of Insuring Real Estate
Legal Education
Charitable Planning in Times of Crisis
During times of uncertainty, we tend to feel helpless. This article by friend and colleague Tereina Stidd, an estate planning expert, explores how charitable giving gives us a sense of purpose in trying times. Read on to learn more. … [Read more...] about Charitable Planning in Times of Crisis
The Kiddie Tax is No Child’s Game
If you set up a trust or other investment vehicle for your child, that child could incur taxes at a rate much higher than anticipated. The Kiddie Tax was enacted to prevent parents from transferring investments to the name of their child or children to take advantage of that child’s lower tax rate. My friend and colleague Tereina Stidd, an estate planning expert, has commented on this tax. Read on to learn more. … [Read more...] about The Kiddie Tax is No Child’s Game
How Estate Planning Documents Help Prevent Elder Abuse
As loved ones and parents age, they become more vulnerable to fraudulent schemes. This article by my friend and colleague Tereina Stidd, an estate planning expert, explores how a solid estate plan can help protect the elderly from becoming victims. Read on to learn more. … [Read more...] about How Estate Planning Documents Help Prevent Elder Abuse
Our Available Services During COVID-19/Coronavirus Pandemic
The health and safety of our clients, staff, and friends of the law firm are top of mind amid concerns about the spread of the Coronavirus (COVID-19). As estate planning and elder law attorneys, our practice is dedicated to serving our most vulnerable citizens, including seniors, those who are ill, disabled, experiencing mental health challenges and children with special needs. The uncertainty around the pandemic has many people with immune system challenges concerned about exposure to the … [Read more...] about Our Available Services During COVID-19/Coronavirus Pandemic
The Other Side of the Unauthorized Practice of Law
What happens when an individual who is not licensed to practice law provides advice to an individual – does the quality of the advice matter if the individual is unlicensed? This article by my friend and colleague Tereina Stidd, an estate planning attorney, explores the unauthorized practice of law and how it damages the legal profession. Read on to learn more. … [Read more...] about The Other Side of the Unauthorized Practice of Law
Estate Planning Reduces Stress During High Anxiety Times
During times of high stress such as tragedy or emergency, we tend to feel helpless. This article by my friend and colleague Tereina Stidd, an estate planning attorney, explores how a comprehensive estate plan helps reduce anxiety in uncertain times. Read on to learn more. … [Read more...] about Estate Planning Reduces Stress During High Anxiety Times
Changing “Irrevocable” Trusts Through Use of a Trust Protector
Advisors often include irrevocable trusts as part of a comprehensive estate plan to achieve both tax and non-tax goals. The use of irrevocable trusts can cause apprehension because of the perception that irrevocable trusts are inflexible in changing circumstances. This article, by my friend and colleague Tereina Stidd, explores how the use of a trust protector may provide flexibility in an irrevocable trust to address these concerns. Read on to learn more. … [Read more...] about Changing “Irrevocable” Trusts Through Use of a Trust Protector
Changing “Irrevocable” Trusts Through Decanting
Irrevocable Trusts are often included as part of a comprehensive estate plan and are usually established many years before they pay out or terminate. These trusts didn’t change with changes in beneficiary circumstances or with evolving legislation, but now they can. My friend and colleague Steve Hartnett, an estate planning expert, has some good insights on the decanting procss. This article explores how. … [Read more...] about Changing “Irrevocable” Trusts Through Decanting
Conservation Easements Can Be a Good Solution
Often, a client wants to keep land in the family. Sometimes they want to discourage further development and get tax benefits for doing so. A conservation easement can help achieve both objectives. My friend and colleague Steve Hartnett, an estate planning expert, has some good insights on this valuable planning strategy. Read on to learn more. … [Read more...] about Conservation Easements Can Be a Good Solution
