by Christine | Aug 2, 2012 | Asset Protection |
The exception oftentimes proves the rule. This can be especially true in a court of law or to any prudent planner protecting their assets. Certainly, this is the lesson to learn from the recent bankruptcy case of In re Thomas, 2012 WL 2792348 (Bkrtcy.D.Idaho, Slip...
by Christine | Aug 1, 2012 | Elder Law, Estate Planning, Retirement Planning, Surviving Spouse |
Estate planning is critical to make sure your assets are passed down as you wish. But another component of estate planning for couples is making sure that the surviving spouse has enough money to live on. Most married couples want to ensure that all of their resources...
by Christine | Jul 31, 2012 | Alzheimer's, Art, Estate Planning |
For many owners of artwork or decorative collectibles, scenario planning works well for individual or a small number of items. Estate planning is a process, not a “one-and-done” event. Sometimes anticipating future curveballs in life may necessitate weaving scenario...
by Christine | Jul 30, 2012 | Estate Planning, Inheritance |
Inheriting money would seem like one of life’s unabashed blessings: someone gives you a lump sum just for being you. For the rest of us, inheritors seem like a democracy’s version of royalty: born into a world of privilege we would love to know. Yet the inheritors I...
by Christine | Jul 27, 2012 | Estate Tax, Income Tax, Same Sex Estate Planning |
Which taxes qualify for the protective claim? Estate taxes, income taxes, even gift taxes. In fact, any time you feel you overpaid a tax you can file for a refund, if you have a good reason. The legality and constitutionality of same-sex marriage has not been far from...
by Christine | Jul 26, 2012 | 2012, 2013, Estate Planning, Gift Tax |
TIME may — or may not — be running out for one of the biggest tax breaks for wealthy Americans: the chance to give up to $5.12 million to heirs tax-free and then pay a comparatively low 35 percent rate on any gift above that. The break is scheduled to expire in six...
by Christine | Jul 25, 2012 | Depression, Elder Care, Elder Law, Medicare |
Depressed Medicare beneficiaries in the so-called coverage doughnut hole were more likely to cut back on their antidepressants than those who had full insurance coverage, a study has found. Even with the Affordable Care Act (ACA) – Obamacare by any other name – well...
by Christine | Jul 24, 2012 | Estate Planning, LIfe Insurance, Military |
Members of the armed forces about to be deployed have a lot on their minds, but one thing on the checklist needs to be making sure their legal and financial affairs are in order. With a little planning, servicemen and women deployed overseas can serve their...
by Christine | Jul 23, 2012 | Estate Planning |
Estate planning tends to focus on minimizing taxes, especially for high-net-worth individuals, but personal problems may be more pressing for some clients. For such people, the success of the planning process hinges more on dealing with their issues than with their...
by Christine | Jul 20, 2012 | Forgiven Loan, Gift Tax |
In today's tough economy, you may decide to loan money to a cash-strapped family member. While this may be a noble cause, please take my advice and make the loan the tax-smart way. Sometimes ensuring that a loved one has the assets they need – for a project or...
