Estate Planning News + Trends
Commonly asked questions and trending topics of discussion. Search previous topics of discussion below.
Resolve to Plan Like Joan Rivers
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...
The Empty Trust
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. +...
Your Estate Planning Goals
POWER POINTS + Estate planning is about much more than just who will receive your assets after death. + Proper estate planning can reduce the cost, time and likelihood of conflict when your assets are to be transferred to your loved ones. + Planning for specific...
Mind Your Business Interests
POWER POINTS Whether you run your own business or own a share of a family business, failing to mind your business interests can result in unnecessary, expensive probate proceedings and conflicts amongst your loved ones. How your business interest will pass at your...
Robin Williams Understood the Importance of Estate Planning
POWER POINTS + Your estate plan can remain private and avoid court involvement when drafted and maintained properly. + Have an ongoing relationship with your advisor; a proper estate plan is not something you should stick in the closet and forget about. + It is...
Choosing the Right Trustee for You and Your Family
POWER POINTS + Your choice of trustee can be the most important factor in efficient administration, conflict avoidance and asset protection. + It is important to understand the powers and responsibilities of the trustee, particularly as they relate to unexpected...
Powers of Attorney: Underrated Estate Planning Documents
POWER POINTS: 1. Powers of attorney are an integral part of any proper estate plan. 2. The costs and consequences of not having powers of attorney in place far exceed the cost of having the documents prepared. 3. Every adult who is responsible for his or her own...
Guest Blog: Life Insurance Basics, Part 2 of 2
I get many questions regarding life insurance, and while I am happy to advise on the many estate and gift tax consequences related to life insurance, I leave the recommendations of why, how much and why to the life insurance experts. The information below is provided...
Estate Planning to Keep Your Children Motivated
POWER POINTS: + You want to provide for your children, but you do not want them to depend on their inheritance. + A proper estate plan can limit distributions to your beneficiaries to provide for basic necessities but not luxuries. + Using an independent trustee will...
Guest Blog: Life Insurance Basics, Part 1 of 2
I get many questions regarding life insurance, and while I am happy to advise on the many estate and gift tax consequences related to life insurance, I leave the recommendations of why, how much and why to the life insurance experts. The information below is provided...