Asset Protection
Does a TOD Supersede a Trust?
Both help you pass down assets, while avoiding the time and expense of probate. However, one has much more flexibility than the other.
January 18, 2022
Asset Protection
How Do You Gift Your House to Your Children during Your Lifetime?
There are many ways to pass property on to children, including gifting the family home to them while you are still alive, bequeathing it to the children upon your passing, or selling the residence to your heirs.
January 13, 2022
Asset Protection
What Taxes Have to Be Paid When Someone Dies?
Tax obligations continue on despite the passing of a loved one, and in some cases, come about because of it. Tax deadlines pose a challenge for grieving families.
January 12, 2022
Asset Protection
Prince Philip’s Will: Are Royals Different than Regular People?
Should the Royal family be an exception to the normal laws governing probate?
January 10, 2022
Asset Protection
Do I Have to Pay Off Debts after a Spouse Dies?
Losing your spouse is a painful, confusing time, but add to that repeated calls from an aggressive debt collector and a bad situation suddenly can get even worse.
January 6, 2022
Estate Administration
Is It Ever Too Late for a Family Meeting to Discuss Money?
Even those who have saved and invested well may not be sharing their financial information with a spouse or loved one. It’s time to do that now.
January 5, 2022
Advanced Directives
Estate Planning when So Much Is Uncertain
Taxpayers should, of course, carefully consider whether to engage in a lifetime gifting strategy, which has other considerations beyond just estate taxes (such as the tradeoff with the ‘step‑up’ in basis, and non-tax family related considerations).
December 28, 2021
Estate Planning
Can You Refuse an Inheritance?
What happens if you are named an heir in an estate but you don’t want it? Does it go the person’s children if you reject the inheritance?
December 27, 2021
Advanced Directives
How Does a Will Work after Death?
Every estate plan should include three essential documents: a durable general power of attorney, a healthcare power of attorney and a last will and testament. Of the three essential estate planning documents, the will is the only document that is used after death.
December 23, 2021
Advanced Directives
Who Pays Mortgage When I Pass Away?
One important aspect of estate planning is deciding what will happen to your home after you die. The answer might be fairly cut and dry if the home is fully paid for. If it’s not, though, you’ll need to consider the financial ramifications for your estate and for the person who inherits the home.
December 17, 2021