Most people execute a Last Will and Testament as their first estate planning document. A simple Will is fine for a very basic estate plan; however, as your estate and your family grow, you will likely need to grow your estate plan as well. In fact, you may decide that a trust works better than a Will as your primary tool for distributing your estate assets. The trust lawyers at Kulas Law Group … [Read more...]
Port St. Lucie Estate Planning Attorneys Discuss Top 5 Components
Almost everyone acknowledges the need to have an estate plan in place; yet, over half of all Americans do not have one. One reason people frequently give for not having an estate plan is that the entire concept of estate planning is confusing. Where should you start? When should you start? What should be included in an estate plan? Although every estate plan is unique, the Port St. Lucie estate … [Read more...]
6 Important Estate Planning Considerations – Part 4: Beneficiary Designations
Beneficiary designations can be a simple way to pass assets at death. While beneficiary designations avoid probate, they may introduce other problems. This article shows how a revocable trust can provide a more flexible way to achieve a client’s goals.6 Important Estate Planning Considerations – Part 4: Beneficiary Designations … [Read more...]
6 Important Estate Planning Considerations – Part 5: Retirement Assets
Retirement assets may be a very large part of a person’s estate at death. It’s important to consider the income tax ramifications of naming a beneficiary, as well as protecting those assets for the beneficiaries. This article considers some of these issues.6 Important Estate Planning Considerations – Part 5: Retirement Assets … [Read more...]
6 Important Estate Planning Considerations – Part 3: Your Kids
An estate plan considers not just to whom assets should go, but also how. Each beneficiary is unique and the estate plan should consider their unique situation. This article looks at a couple with three very different children and how they might leave the assets for them in three very different ways.6 Important Estate Planning Considerations – Part 3: Your Kids … [Read more...]
Elder Law Attorneys Offer Tips to Prevent Elder Abuse
The population of older Americans (age 65 and older) has reached historic highs in recent years as the Baby Boomer generation enters their retirement years. Moreover, experts tell us that the increase in the older population will continue in the years to come. Sadly, with the increase in the number of seniors has come a corresponding increase in instances of elder abuse throughout the nation. If … [Read more...]
Living Trust Attorneys Explain How a Trust Can Be Used in Funeral Planning
Understandably, most people prefer not to dwell on their own mortality. The idea of sitting down and planning your own funeral and burial may not sound very attractive; yet, there are several reasons why you may wish to do just that. Adding a funeral and burial component to your overall estate plan relieves your loved ones of the need to plan and finance your funeral and it ensures that your … [Read more...]
Estate Planning Attorneys Explain Gift and Estate Taxes
If you are like most people, estate planning often feels like trying to complete a giant puzzle, except the pieces keep changing. The most recent of those puzzle pieces to change is how the lifetime exemption is used when calculating your estate’s federal gift and estate tax obligation. The good news is that the recent changes could help you transfer considerably more of your wealth tax-free over … [Read more...]
Medicaid Lawyers Explain Eligibility for Seniors
Most seniors count on Medicare to cover their healthcare expenses during their retirement years. While Medicare does help with most healthcare expenses, it doesn’t cover everything. One of the most important exclusions from Medicare coverage is long-term care. For seniors, this exclusion can come as a surprise – and can lead to the depletion of their retirement nest egg should long-term care (LTC) … [Read more...]
Retirement: It’s not Just About the Money
Many factors go into retirement decisions. This article examines some of those factors. Being financially prepared is one aspect. Having your estate planning in order is another. But, being socially and psychologically ready for retirement are yet other aspects which people often don’t consider. Be ready for your next phase of life, this article will help you get there.Retirement: It’s not … [Read more...]
