If you own real estate in multiple states, consider using a revocable trust to make it easier for your beneficiaries.
Read MoreGift-splitting can be a valuable estate planning tool, allowing spouses to maximize the amount of wealth they can transfer tax-free.
Read MoreA Crummey trust provides a limited withdrawal right for beneficiaries, while periodic contributions qualify for the gift tax annual exclusion.
Read MoreEstate planning isn’t just about what happens to your assets after you die. It’s also about protecting yourself and your loved ones. This includes having a plan for making critical medical decisions in the event you’re unable to make them yourself.
Read MoreBefore deciding to own an asset jointly with your adult child, consider these pitfalls.
Read MoreThe benefits of using a living trust are many. Pairing it with a pour-over will can help wrangle any loose assets that you purposely (or inadvertently) didn’t transfer to the living trust.
Read MoreHave you made your end-of-life arrangements and incorporated them into your overall estate plan?
Read MoreAs a spouse and parent, you have the challenge of ensuring your spouse is provided for after your death while making certain there are assets left for your children’s inheritances. A qualified terminable interest proper (QTIP) trust may be the answer.
Read MoreDon’t miss an opportunity to claim charitable deductions when making charitable gifts. The key is understanding the IRS’s substantiation rules.
Read MoreAre you paying proper attention to beneficiary designations for your retirement accounts, life insurance policies, and other “non-probate” assets? Failing to do so can result in unintentional asset distributions or legal disputes.
Read MoreIs an irrevocable life insurance trust right for you?
Read MoreWill the IRS deem your intrafamily money transfer a loan or a gift? The devil is in the details.
Read MoreDetermining whether to use a quiet trust or an incentive trust in your estate plan can be difficult. Here are the pros and cons.
Read MoreA custodial account offers a flexible way to save for your child’s future, but compare it to other options, such as education-specific savings vehicles and the new Trump Accounts.
Read MoreFamiliarize yourself with the duties of an executor before accepting the position at the request of a family member or friend.
Read MorePayable-on-death (POD) and transfer-on-death (TOD) accounts can be simple, inexpensive tools for leaving assets to your heirs outside of probate. But are they right for all estates?
Read MoreAn estate planning “road map” can act as a catchall for your final thoughts. Write them down in a letter of instruction.
Read MoreEstate planning is about more than just distributing assets; it’s an opportunity to reflect your values and legacy. Here are two options for making charitable contributions while creating a charitable legacy.
Read MoreThe One, Big, Beautiful Bill Act permanently makes advantageous changes to the federal gift and estate tax exemption amount. Here’s the story.
Read MoreThere are many hurdles to overcome in estate planning. They can include potential estate taxes, complex tax laws and a lengthy probate process, among other things. But the biggest obstacle is often self-imposed: procrastination.
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