Tag: trusts
Tax Planning in Your Estate Plan
Posted on April 8, 2021

Benjamin Franklin is attributed as having said that only two things are certain in life: death and taxes. The way you structure your estate plan will have considerable tax consequences, so it is important to plan accordingly. There are different tax-related advantages and disadvantages associated with each type of estate planning tool. Failure to plan for estate planning tax consequences can leave your surviving loved ones with unexpected and unpleasant tax-related surprises. An estate planning attorney can explain the potential tax implications and help you minimize your tax liability through […]
Estate Planning Means More Than Just Drafting a Will
Posted on February 11, 2021

When some people hear the terms “estate plan,” “wills”, “trusts,” or “end-of-life planning,” their eyes glaze over. The subject of estate planning can be overwhelming because it is a multifaceted topic which covers many aspects of financial and healthcare planning, but also because it is often uncomfortable to talk about what will happen after you pass away. However, having an estate plan in place gives you control over the distribution of your assets, your legacy wishes, and could even help you pay less in taxes, fees, and court costs. As […]
What to Do When Your Spouse Refuses to Participate in Estate Planning
Posted on January 29, 2021

In my practice as an estate planning attorney, I have helped many married couples create wills, trusts, and other estate planning instruments designed to offer long-term security and peace of mind. On occasion, however, I am approached by individuals who recognize the importance of estate planning but who cannot get their spouses to participate in the planning process. If this describes your situation, keep in mind that begging, nagging, or threatening your spouse will probably not do much good. Instead, there are a number of things that you can do […]
Should I Use Incentive Trusts in My Estate Plan?
Posted on October 29, 2020

As you approach the often-difficult topic of estate planning, it is understandable that you want what is best for your heirs—especially if they are your children or grandchildren. We would like to believe that our descendants will be responsible and mature enough to handle a sizeable inheritance, but deep down, we know that this is not always the case. Some people simply struggle to establish healthy spending habits, and for these people, money tends to burn a hole in their pocket. As an estate planning attorney, I am often asked […]
Report: Wealthy Americans Are Changing Their Estate Plans Over Concerns of Tax Increases
Posted on October 15, 2020

A few weeks ago, a post on this blog discussed former Vice President Joe Biden’s plans regarding the United States Tax Code if he were to be elected president in this year’s general election. Of course, with every new presidential administration comes certain changes to the nation’s tax policies. With this in mind, Mr. Biden’s campaign maintains that his policies would not raise taxes on anyone making less than $400,000 per year. But, what about those who make over $400,00 per year? In short, they stand to be the most […]