Lottery winners often end up in bankruptcy. Learn how an estate planning attorney can help you avoid mistakes and plan for your newfound wealth. The article by my friend and colleague Steve Hartnett, an estate planning expert, looks at ways to protect the wealth and ways to benefit charity and others. Planning for Lottery Winners, Part 2 of 2 … [Read more...] about Planning for Lottery Winners, Part 2 of 2
Legal Education
New Asset Transfer Look-Back for VA Aid & Attendance Coming Soon: The Window of Opportunity is Closing Quickly!
The Veteran’s Administration is beginning asset limits for qualification for the Aid & Attendance benefit. The limit goes into effect on October 18, 2018. If transfers are made prior to October 18, 2018, they will escape penalties on the transfer and the client would qualify. Read the following article by my friend and colleague Steve Hartnett, an attorney and estate planning expert, for more information on this unique opportunity. New Asset Transfer Look-Back for VA Aid & Attendance … [Read more...] about New Asset Transfer Look-Back for VA Aid & Attendance Coming Soon: The Window of Opportunity is Closing Quickly!
Planning for Lottery Winners, Part 1 of 2
A lucky winner recently won $320 million in the lottery. This article by my friend and colleague Steve Hartnett, an estate planning expert, looks at an example of a prior winner’s mistakes. The next article in the series will examine strategies for lottery winners. Planning for Lottery Winners, Part 1 of 2 … [Read more...] about Planning for Lottery Winners, Part 1 of 2
Estate Planning: It’s Not Just About the Estate Taxes
The recent tax law has temporarily doubled the estate tax exemption. That doesn’t mean there’s no need for estate planning. Estate plans consider many important aspects, not just estate taxes. This article by my friend and colleague Steve Hartnett, an estate planning expert, examines some of the many considerations besides estate taxes. Estate Planning: It’s Not Just About the Estate Taxes … [Read more...] about Estate Planning: It’s Not Just About the Estate Taxes
You Never Know: Planning for the Unexpected
This article by my friend and colleague Steve Hartnett, an estate planning expert, examines the deaths of two people who died from doing very typical things. You never know what risks might be around the corner, even in seemingly safe endeavors, so you should be prepared. The article looks at the elements of a basic plan. You Never Know: Planning for the Unexpected … [Read more...] about You Never Know: Planning for the Unexpected
Planning for Frequent Flyer Miles
This article by my friend and colleague Steve Hartnett, an estate planning expert, examines the transfer of frequent flyer mile accounts to beneficiaries. It looks at Anthony Bourdain’s will and its disposition of his miles. The article points out that these are contractual rights and you may or may not be able to transfer them at death. Planning for Frequent Flyer Miles … [Read more...] about Planning for Frequent Flyer Miles
Incapacity Planning
Nobody wants incapacity, not for yourself and not for your loved ones. But planning for that possibility can avoid complications and increase options. The article by my colleague and friend Steve Hartnett, an estate planning expert, discusses the elements of incapacity planning and the need for flexibility to do Medi-Cal planning which he refers to as Medicaid. It discusses how a trust with Medi-Cal triggers can allow that. All trusts prepared by our firm contain such triggers. Incapacity … [Read more...] about Incapacity Planning
Dead Hand Control: How Much is Too Much?
This article by my friend and colleague Steve Hartnett examines trying to exert control over your beneficiaries after death. Often, clients try to dictate the exact manner in which funds are used. Usually, it is a better course to give the trustee discretion. Dead Hand Control: How Much is Too Much? … [Read more...] about Dead Hand Control: How Much is Too Much?
6 Important Estate Planning Considerations – Part 6: Taxes
An estate plan considers many important aspects. One of the many aspects to consider is the impact of taxes. This article by my friend and colleague Steve Hartnett examines some of the many ways consideration of taxes might impact an estate plan. 6 Important Estate Planning Considerations – Part 6: Taxes … [Read more...] about 6 Important Estate Planning Considerations – Part 6: Taxes
Planning for the International Client
Estate planning for the international client can be tricky. This article by my friend and colleague Steve Hartnett looks at the estate tax treatment of U.S. citizens and non-resident aliens. The article then looks at an example of someone who lived in the U.S. and then departed. Planning for the International Client … [Read more...] about Planning for the International Client
