by Christine | Feb 5, 2013 | Depression, DSM5, Elder Law |
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, published and periodically updated by the American Psychiatric Association, is one of those documents few laypeople ever read, but many of us are affected by. When you have an elderly loved one, it’s wise to...
by Christine | Feb 4, 2013 | Estate Planning, Trusts |
Under the new rules, a taxpayer may shield up to $5.25 million from estate taxes ($10.5 million for couples) … Now that the uncertainty has been lifted, some ultrawealthy families are wondering whether they want to leave heirs that much tax-free money after all. Can...
by Christine | Feb 1, 2013 | Estate Plan, Small Business, Succession Planning |
The conversation around successions can be [sensitive], because it brings up all the same issues one faces when starting a business — only this time, you’re forced to imagine it without yourself in the picture. When it comes to business, succession is perhaps the most...
by Christine | Jan 31, 2013 | Charitable Giving, International Law |
One of the most notable trends in philanthropy, according to the 2012 Giving USA Study of charitable giving, is that international giving has steadily grown despite a tumultuous economy. Thinking about going global with your charitable giving? When it comes to...
by Christine | Jan 30, 2013 | Elder Care, Elder Law |
Inpatient hospital prices in Los Angeles average 149% of Medicare rates; in Richmond, Va., those rates are 192% of Medicare's prices, according to CSHSC. Ever noticed how prices of certain items can be more or less depending on where you buy them? Take for...
by Christine | Jan 29, 2013 | Elder Law, Estate Planning, Individual Retirement Accounts (IRA), Retirement, Roth IRA |
Under the new rules, a Roth conversion would be available to anyone with a traditional 401(k) and an employer who offers a Roth account and conversion. It’s no doubt that the Roth IRA is a favorable option to many people when it comes to retirement planning. ...
by Christine | Jan 28, 2013 | Charitable Giving, HIgh Income, Taxes |
While most people are fixated on tax rate increases adding to their income tax bill in 2013 and beyond, very few people are aware that the Pease limitation reinstatement can add to their income tax bills by phasing out some key itemized deductions. Although some areas...
by Christine | Jan 25, 2013 | Estate Planning, Marriage, Portability |
Portability makes it unnecessary for spouses to use bypass trusts solely to preserve the federal exemption amount. As with any new process there is a shakeout period, though. The good news has resounded and there is much to celebrate with the passing of ATRA 2012 (or...
by Christine | Jan 24, 2013 | Estate Planning, Taxes, Trusts |
“It’s hitting where it really shouldn’t,” says Laurie Hall, an estates lawyer and head of the Wealth Management Group at Edwards Wildman in Boston. “These increases weren’t intended to hit people with income below $200,000, and they will.” Many of us are at ease now...
by Christine | Jan 23, 2013 | Elder Law, Estate Planning, Retirement Abroad |
Among the top retirement spots in the world this year, you’ll find great variety in the cultural offerings, climates and lifestyles. When you hear “make a run for the border,” you may be reminded of Taco Bell’s slogan in the mid-1990s. But this phrase isn’t...
