If you’ve been reading our blog regularly then you know that the 2010 estate tax repeal has caused no end of confusion and uncertainty; not only for those who have been dealing with probate and trust administration since the tax was first repealed, but also for those who are trying to think ahead and do… Read More »
Posts Categorized: Estate Planning
Robin Hood Lives On: Tax Breaks to Help Your Family
It may seem like you just can’t catch a break when it comes to paying taxes, but according to this article in the Wall Street Journal there are a few little known tax breaks that could end up saving your family money. Some are new—so new, in fact, that it is still before the Senate—such… Read More »
Recent Deaths Bring Home the Consequences of No Estate Tax in 2010
There was too much confusion to be much rejoicing when the estate tax was repealed for a year on January 1st, 2010. Although the words “no estate tax” may sound good, nobody really expected the state of affairs would last. Most experts believed that Congress would never actually let it happen in the first place;… Read More »
Sharing Your Passion With The People Who Matter
What is your passion? Do you love reading and collecting books? Are you a rabid coin or stamp collector? Do you find peace and tranquility out tending your garden? Whatever it is that you love to do in your “off time”, you can bet the people closest to you know it. These are the people… Read More »
One More BIG Reason to Have a Health Care Directive
Do you have a health care directive? If not, the Los Angeles Times has just given you one more reason to create one: Advance directives for end-of-life care result in preferred treatment. That’s right, according to the recent article; those people who have recorded their wishes for end-of-life treatment have their wishes followed by agents… Read More »
The Receiving End of Estate Planning
We publish a lot on this blog about preparing your estate plan: writing a will, setting up a trust, choosing beneficiaries and nominating guardians; but there is another side to estate planning, a fun side… the receiving end. You may assume that the receiving end of estate planning is the fun and easy part, but… Read More »
3 Reasons to Discuss Estate Planning With Your Ex
Creating an estate plan to protect your minor children is one of the most difficult—and most important—things you will ever do; this is especially true if you and your child’s other parent are separated or divorced. Relationships don’t always end amicably, but if you do have children it is definitely worthwhile to put aside your… Read More »
Estate Tax to Again Become an Issue in the House
Could it be that some movement finally happening in the House of Representatives with regard to the estate tax? It looks like it may be, if we are to believe this recent article in Bloomberg Business Week. According to the article, the House Ways and Means Committee has plans to begin discussions in April (after… Read More »
Do You Need A Will Or A Trust?
When it comes to estate planning there are two major vehicles for the distribution of property: A will and a trust. Both are very useful tools and can accomplish specific goals—but how do you know which one is best for your family? Which document you will need depends on a number of factors, some of… Read More »
Facing the BIG Picture
We frequently urge you here on our blog to create the documents necessary to protect yourself in case of emergency, and to ensure that your family and loved ones know your wishes for health care if you are ever unable to make those decisions yourself. But a recent article on MSNBC reminds us that creating… Read More »