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...
by Christine | Nov 16, 2012 | Asset Protection, Partnership, Small Business |
If you have an arrangement that might be viewed as a partnership, the safer course is probably to get a partnership agreement drafted or more likely form an LLC and have an operating agreement drafted. There are quite a few ways of structuring a business entity. But...
by Christine | Nov 15, 2012 | Art, Estate Planning, Insurance |
. . . [she] estimated that the premium value of insured art globally was somewhere between $500 million and $1 billion. If those estimates are right, there’s a lot of uninsured art out there. So, what are your favorite and most valuable assets? Aside from your loved...
by Christine | Nov 14, 2012 | Estate Planning, Inheritance |
Every parent with more than one child knows that not all kids are created equal…And when it comes to estate planning, it's time to think hard about what each child needs and what you've done for each one already. It’s never easy to make sure your children are...
by Christine | Nov 13, 2012 | Divorce, Elder Law |
"As soon as you have an inkling that a divorced parent might need assistance, it definitely requires a family meeting," says Joy Loverde, author of "The Complete Eldercare Planner." "Everyone needs to be there, to open up about any concerns,...
