One of the primary techniques used to reduce a person’s taxable estate is making gifts during his or her life to other individuals, usually children or grandchildren, using the annual gift tax exemption ($14,000 in 2017). An individual can make … more

> Is this about wine?  Unfortunately, no. > What does it mean to decant a trust?  Trust decanting is the process of pouring the assets of one irrevocable trust (the “original trust”) into a second irrevocable trust with more desirable … more

When considering marriage or a divorce, your estate planning is likely low on the list of priorities. However, these are significant changes in a family situation that should trigger an immediate review of your existing estate planning documents or preparation … more

> Familiarity with the terms of your documents is an essential part of having an up-to-date estate plan.   > If you do not have an estate plan in place, the end of the year is an ideal time to … more