by Christine | Nov 27, 2013 | Estate Law, Estate Planning |
Estate planning is the process of legally structuring the future disposition of current and projected assets. Estate planning is many things. In order to present a solid definition of this particular type of planning, a recent Forbes article posed the question, “What...
by Christine | Nov 26, 2013 | Elder Care, Elder Law |
Now I am 86 and almost blind. I cannot read the bills that come in the mail nor sign my own checks. I must be escorted to medical appointments. My busy children are kind beyond measure, but I am uncomfortable in these situations. And being uncomfortable makes me sharp...
by Christine | Nov 25, 2013 | Beneficiary Designation, Estate Planning, Probate, Wills |
A will may say to divide an estate equally among three children. But if a particular account is titled to pass to just one, only that beneficiary will get the account. Your Last Will and Testament is the legal document to put your wishes in writing and get it all...
by Christine | Nov 22, 2013 | Estate Planning, Family Business, Small Business |
What will be the most likely exit scenario from your business when the time comes? If you own a small business, what will your last day at work be like? What is your exit strategy? The answer hinges on whether your exit will be by design or by default. To exit your...
by Christine | Nov 21, 2013 | Charitable Giving |
A tax deduction for charitable giving isn’t guaranteed just because you’re feeling generous. As with everything in tax law, it’s important to follow the rules. As the holiday giving season begins with the tax year ending shortly thereafter, now is a good time to plan...
by Christine | Nov 20, 2013 | Asset Protection, Estate Planning |
Here are some potential pitfalls to keep in mind for couples who are thinking of keeping some or all of their assets separate. When two people have lived together outside of marriage for some time, the question of who owns what can get downright confusing. Obviously,...
by Christine | Nov 19, 2013 | Estate Planning, Family, Family Meeting |
A productive family meeting can have a profound impact not only on the individual family members who attend, but also on all those they interact with afterwards. Communication is key when it comes to estate planning. In fact, the entirety of an estate plan –...
by Christine | Nov 18, 2013 | Elder Care, Elder Law, Estate Planning |
If you’re handling the finances for an older family member or are about to do so, some sticky challenges can pop up quicker than you think. Managing your personal finances can be a challenge. But what if you had to manage money for someone else? Managing the finances...
by Christine | Nov 15, 2013 | Estate Law, Estate Tax, Inheritance Tax, Interstate Estate, State Law |
There are steps that residents of states with steep estate taxes can take–short of moving–to help minimize such bills or avoid them altogether. Although the Federal government may cast a big shadow in terms of estate taxes, don't forget those state laws lurking in...
by Christine | Nov 14, 2013 | 2013, 2014, Estate Law, Estate Tax, Gift Tax |
Starting in 2014 … the basic exclusion will go up to $5.34 million per person, from $5.25 million this year.[However,] there will be no change in the annual exclusion, which allows you to give $14,000 in cash or other assets each year to each of as many...
