by Christine | Jul 8, 2014 | Elder Law, Medical Directives |
“What about the wife?” the social worker asked. How could we have missed this most basic and vital piece of information? It’s easier than you might think. The sister didn’t get along with the wife and apparently wasn’t moved to tell us of her existence. The social...
by Christine | Jul 7, 2014 | Estate Planning, Inherited IRAs, Trusts |
So, just to be sure we all have this right, when you name a trust as the beneficiary of your IRA, how many beneficiaries are there of the IRA? You got it – ONE – the trust. If you are electing a trust as a beneficiary to an IRA or other retirement account, it is...
by Christine | Jul 4, 2014 | Small Business |
If you have identified all your potential IP and never operated without professionally prepared documents, you will likely be confident about the value of what you worked so hard to create. And if not, now is the time to turn to your IP. Here are a few things...
by Christine | Jul 3, 2014 | Estate Planning |
Everyone knows someone who hardly speaks to his brother or sister or aunt simply because of a misunderstanding over an inheritance. Inheritance planning can be a direct mode of expression, whether of appreciation for a person or an extolling of virtues. But can these...
by Christine | Jul 2, 2014 | Estate Planning, Special Needs Children, Special Needs Planning, Special Needs Trusts |
Since for most of us, our children are our foremost priority in life, a Letter of Intent can be a crucial document. And anyone who wants to ensure special care for their children should consider including one with their estate documents; there are no real drawbacks to...
by Christine | Jul 1, 2014 | Art, Charitable Giving, Estate Planning |
The tax law makes clear that the taxpayer has the burden of substantiating the value of the property. To this end, a taxpayer must not only comply with the procedural requirements for valuation, but must also persuade the trier of fact that his claimed...
by Christine | Jun 27, 2014 | Estate Planning, Inheritance |
To make that wealth last forever, you're probably going to need future generations to replenish that wealth. If you have wealth to pass on to the next generation, have you hoped that your wealth will continue on for generations to come? It's a tough goal to...
by Christine | Jun 26, 2014 | Estate Law, Estate Planning, GIfting |
Here are a few easy approaches that can reduce or avoid taxes, and are also effective wealth transfer techniques. Gifting makes up one of the pillars of estate planning. Strategic gifting can mean all the difference between a plan for family wealth that works and a...
by Christine | Jun 25, 2014 | Estate Planning |
It may take some expert help to work out how to pass the pieces to your heirs. Parents' collectibles can hold emotional meaning for adult children, and some collections carry financial value as well. Estate planning is all about deciding...
by Christine | Jun 24, 2014 | Elder Care, Elder Law |
How do I know what kind of caregiver my family member needs? How do I go about finding a home caregiver? What if I prefer to hire someone myself? Choosing care for an elderly loved one can be challenging as it requires much research and thought. Their needs will...
