by Manish C. Bhatia | Apr 1, 2015 | News + Trends
It was expected—perhaps foolishly—that the American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012 (the “ATRA”), signed into law on January 2, 2013, would end the fluctuating estate and gift tax exemptions by setting the unified exemption at $5 million per individual, indexed for...
by Manish C. Bhatia | Mar 1, 2015 | News + Trends
Chicago Cubs legend, Ernie Banks (“Mr. Cub”), passed away on January 23, 2015, at age 83. His death certificate indicates that he suffered not only from cardiac arrest but also dementia. It appears that Banks’ friend and caregiver, Regina Rice, and his estranged wife...
by Manish C. Bhatia | Feb 1, 2015 | News + Trends
This is the story of a man named Herbert who made one crucial mistake in his estate planning.1 Although Herbert is the main character of the story, it is his surviving family members who are left to clean up the mess. POWER POINTS + Loose ends and unclear provisions...
by Manish C. Bhatia | Jan 1, 2015 | News + Trends
POWER POINTS + Though her death was unexpected, Joan Rivers was prepared and took the responsible step of having a current estate plan. + Your estate plan can include your wishes for your health, assets, funeral or burial, loved ones and even your pets. + Starting a...
by Manish C. Bhatia | Dec 1, 2014 | News + Trends
POWER POINTS + The end of the year presents a great opportunity to review your estate plan, your newly acquired assets and the funding of your Trust. + An unfunded Trust fails to take advantage of one of the greatest benefits of a Trust…the avoidance of probate. +...