Trusts have many uses. Perhaps the most important is that they can provide privacy at death. Garry Shandling is thought to have used a trust to provide privacy for those he left behind. Trusts for Privacy … [Read more...]
Planning for Lottery Winners, Part 1 of 2
A lucky winner recently won $320 million in the lottery. This article looks at an example of a prior winner’s mistakes. The next article in the series will examine strategies for lottery winners. Planning for Lottery Winners, Part 1 of 2 … [Read more...]
Estate Planning: It’s Not Just About the Estate Taxes
The recent tax law temporarily doubled the estate tax exemption. That doesn’t mean there’s no need for estate planning. Estate plans consider many important aspects, not just estate taxes. This article examines some of the many considerations besides estate taxes. Estate Planning: It’s Not Just About the Estate Taxes … [Read more...]
Incapacity Planning
Nobody wants incapacity, not for yourself and not for your loved ones. But planning for that possibility can avoid complications and increase options. The article discusses the elements of incapacity planning and the need for flexibility to do Medicaid planning. It discusses how a trust with Medicaid triggers can allow that. Incapacity Planning … [Read more...]
Planning for Frequent Flyer Miles
This article examines the transfer of frequent flyer mile accounts to beneficiaries. It looks at Anthony Bourdain’s will and its disposition of his miles. The article points out that these are contractual rights and you may or may not be able to transfer them at death. Planning for Frequent Flyer Miles … [Read more...]
Dead Hand Control: How Much is Too Much?
This article examines trying to exert control over your beneficiaries after death. Often, clients try to dictate the exact manner in which funds are used. Usually, it is a better course to give the trustee discretion. Dead Hand Control: How Much is Too Much? … [Read more...]
Planning for the Unexpected
This article examines the death of Charlotte Fox, one of the most famous mountain climbers ever, who fell down her stairs at home. You never know what risks might be around the corner, so you should be prepared. The article looks at the elements of a basic plan. Planning for the Unexpected … [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...]
