It’s tempting to think that by taking the time to hand-write your Will or preparing a do-it-yourself plan, you can avoid many of the issues that arise with a Will. In fact, the opposite may be true. By handwriting your Will or preparing a do-it-yourself plan, you may be creating more issues for your family. Read on to learn more. … [Read more...] about Estate Planning – Something You Shouldn’t Do Yourself
Estate Planning
Do You Have to Accept an Inheritance?
While no one is happy when someone that they care about passes away, the property of the deceased must be distributed in some manner. If a person thought enough of you to leave you an inheritance, it is probably going to be welcome, because it is a very positive final gesture. Though it is a rare occurrence, people do sometimes have reasons to refuse inheritances. Is this possible from a legal perspective? Before we answer the question, we will look at some of the reasons why an … [Read more...] about Do You Have to Accept an Inheritance?
Application of the Updated Life Expectancy Tables
Since the creation of Individual Retirement Accounts in 1971, they have become an increasingly important part of a well-balanced Estate Plan. Taxpayers contribute to the IRA. Upon attaining a certain age, the taxpayer begins taking distributions based upon tables promulgated by the Internal Revenue Service. The Internal Revenue Service recently updated those tables which will significantly impact certain taxpayers. Read on to learn more. … [Read more...] about Application of the Updated Life Expectancy Tables
Start 2022 the Right Way
The New Year gives us an opportunity to start fresh. If you don’t yet have an estate plan, now’s a great time to make an appointment with an Estate Planning attorney to talk about your goals and concerns. If you already have one, the New Year gives you an opportunity to review it to ensure that it still accomplishes your goals or to make any necessary changes. Read on to learn more … [Read more...] about Start 2022 the Right Way
The Importance of Insuring Real Estate
Transferring real estate to a trust has become a widely used tool in estate planning. Unfortunately, it’s easy to overlook important aspects of the transfer that lead to unintended consequences. With careful planning, you can avoid these traps. Read on to learn more. … [Read more...] about The Importance of Insuring Real Estate
Shrunken Asset Values Open Estate Planning Opportunities
COVID-19, the novel coronavirus, has been a challenge confronting countries around the world. Not only has COVID-19 been challenging healthcare systems, but the social distancing required to combat the virus has also rocked financial markets. However, there may be an opportunity for those wishing to do certain types of Estate Planning. Read on to learn more. … [Read more...] about Shrunken Asset Values Open Estate Planning Opportunities
Real Estate Boom Could Create Estate Tax Headaches
There has been a huge real estate boom in this country for a number of years at this point. In some areas, housing prices have soared at accelerated rates, and this is exciting for homeowners and investors. However, from an estate planning perspective, a significant increase in real estate values can create estate tax exposure. Federal Estate and Gift Tax The federal estate tax is poised to extract a sizable portion of your legacy if you have been very successful from a financial … [Read more...] about Real Estate Boom Could Create Estate Tax Headaches
Tax Proposals Could Alter Estate Planning Landscape
Senators Sanders and Whitehouse have introduced legislation in the Senate which would significantly alter the Estate Planning landscape. It would dramatically change the tools we use to plan for our clients. Time is of the essence. Read on to learn more. … [Read more...] about Tax Proposals Could Alter Estate Planning Landscape
Learning and Camaraderie at the Academy Summit
The Academy takes learning seriously. The Academy’s Spring Summit included numerous substantive legal education sessions, as well as sessions on marketing and law office management. The virtual conference also included opportunities for networking and fun. Read on to learn more. … [Read more...] about Learning and Camaraderie at the Academy Summit
Is There an Inheritance Tax and an Estate Tax?
There can be some confusion when it comes to the taxes that can be levied on inheritances. You may have heard the terms “estate tax” and “inheritance tax” utilized, and they can leave you scratching your head. Are these two different taxes, or are the terms used interchangeably? Do they refer to income taxes on inheritances? These are good questions, and we will provide clarifications in this post. Income Taxes Life insurance policy proceeds and an inheritance that you receive through the … [Read more...] about Is There an Inheritance Tax and an Estate Tax?
