by Christine | Nov 30, 2012 | Charitable Giving, Gift Tax |
As the tax year draws to a close and the holidays evoke feelings of goodwill, nonprofits count on getting the lion's share of donations during this crucial fourth quarter. While unemployment stats in recent months have been better than expected, experts predict a...
by Christine | Nov 29, 2012 | Elder Care, Medicare |
Medicare processed 906 billion outpatient insurance claims in 2010 – and refused to pay 10 percent of them. But if you're a senior on Medicare with a denied claim, your odds of turning that around are surprisingly good if you appeal. Few things are more...
by Christine | Nov 28, 2012 | Estate Planning, Will Contest |
One could only imagine what George Jefferson — the wise-cracking character who was “movin’ on up” on the 1970′s TV hit, The Jeffersons — would have said about this predicament. The body of actor Sherman Hemsley, who played George Jefferson, has been kept on ice...
by Christine | Nov 27, 2012 | Blended Families, Estate Planning, Trusts |
Numerous studies show a senior widower is much less likely to stay single than his female counterpart… [and that] often leaves the question of how the father can protect the children’s inheritance if there is a second wife in the picture. In that case, a trust may be...
by Christine | Nov 26, 2012 | 2012, Estate Planning, Gift Tax |
Everyone is talking about the importance of making big gifts in 2012, but the critical question for many, is how much can you realistically afford to gift without jeopardizing your own financial security? How much can you afford to gift now, with a possible resurgence...
by Christine | Nov 23, 2012 | Asset Protection, Estate Planning, Trusts |
“There is no such thing as asset protection,” said Jason Cain, head of the family wealth planning group in the central region for Credit Suisse Private Banking USA. “What there is is good business and estate planning that as a byproduct insulates your assets from...
by Christine | Nov 22, 2012 | Estate Planning, Estate Tax, Gift Tax, Portability |
Yes, portability is one of many tax-law provisions scheduled to expire at the end of 2012. But Congress appears likely to extend it beyond this year. Although many estate-tax issues are highly controversial, this one enjoys bipartisan support. You never really hear...
by Christine | Nov 21, 2012 | Estate Law, Healthcare, Medicare |
Many Medicare beneficiaries are not aware that the open enrollment period for the Medicare Part D Drug plans is happening right now. You have until December 7th to determine if it is to your benefit to change plans, which could save you money. Have you signed up for...
by Christine | Nov 20, 2012 | Marriage, Same Sex Estate Planning |
With DOMA [The Defense of Marriage Act] on the books state laws allowing same-sex marriage are of limited use. For example, a same-sex couple who gets married in New York or Massachusetts (which have no residency requirements) may find their new marriage disregarded...
by Christine | Nov 19, 2012 | Elder Care, Elder Law |
Pay close attention to your aging parents on a holiday visit this year. Does the normally tidy house now seem neglected? Is there hoarding? Do you notice memory problems, confusion or physical unsteadiness? Discovering that a parent's physical or mental health is...
