When and Where You Die Matters

May 1, 2019 - Joshua K. Crawford

Where you die matters. While you’ll pay the same federal estate tax no matter where you die, 1/3 of the states have a separate estate or inheritance tax....... Read More

Estate Planning

Planning is Critical

May 1, 2019 - Joshua K. Crawford

It’s important to have a plan. If you don’t have a plan, your state law dictates who gets your property and makes decisions for you. Read on to...... Read More

Estate Planning

How to Use a Memorandum of Intent with Your Special Needs Trust

April 25, 2019 - Joshua K. Crawford

The moment you become a parent, the need to have an estate plan in place becomes apparent. If you are... Read More

Special Needs Planning

What Happens to Your Retirement Account When You Die?

April 4, 2019 - Joshua K. Crawford

In the United States, a significant percentage of the workers count on the funds in a retirement account to live... Read More

Retirement Planning

New Estate Tax Proposal

April 1, 2019 - Joshua K. Crawford

A new estate tax proposal would lower the amount passing free from tax to $3.5 million and increase the rates of taxation. It would also eliminate some tried...... Read More

Estate Planning

What are UGMA and UTMA Accounts?

April 1, 2019 - Joshua K. Crawford

What are UTMA and UGMA accounts? Are there better alternatives? Read on to learn more about these accounts, their drawbacks, and better alternatives.... Read More

Estate Planning

Do I Need an Attorney to Help Me Administer a Trust?

March 25, 2019 - Joshua K. Crawford

Ideally, when a trust is created, the Settlor (the creator) gives considerable thought to the appointment of the Trustee and... Read More

Trust Administration

What Is Considered a Countable Asset for Medicaid in Florida?

March 7, 2019 - Joshua K. Crawford

Although it may seem unlikely to you right now, there is a very good chance you will need to qualify... Read More

Medicaid

How to Purchase Long-Term Care Insurance

March 6, 2019 - Joshua K. Crawford

Although the primary focus of your estate plan may be to ensure that your estate assets are distributed according to... Read More

Long Term Care

New Tax Proposals

March 1, 2019 - Joshua K. Crawford

There are two new tax proposals being floated. One is an income tax proposal and the other is a wealth tax proposal. Read on to learn more about...... Read More

Estate Planning

Beneficiary Designations, etc., Aren’t a True Substitute for a Trust

March 1, 2019 - Joshua K. Crawford

TOD / POD, beneficiary designations, and joint tenancy can be simple ways to transfer assets at death. However, these simple methods lack some of the benefits of a...... Read More

Estate Planning

What Can a Beneficiary Do If the Trustee Isn’t Abiding by the Trust Terms?

February 13, 2019 - Joshua K. Crawford

When a trust is created, the Trustee of that trust is appointed by the Settlor. A Settlor may appoint anyone... Read More

Trust Administration