Tag Archives: Avoiding Probate
The Costs of Procrastinating on Your Estate Planning
1. Estate planning encompasses more than just taxes and asset distribution. 2. Failing to make your wishes known through legal documents increases the likelihood of unnecessary family conflict, costs and delays. 3. Having a proper estate plan ensures efficient estate … more
“Queen of Soul” Left Behind a Holographic Mess
World-renowned singer Aretha Franklin died on August 16, 2018, at the age of 76 in Detroit, Michigan. Franklin’s two marriages had ended in divorce and she had four children, the first when she was only twelve years old. She reportedly … more
John Singleton Survived by Outdated Will
John Singleton, writer and director of the seminal 1991 film, Boyz n the Hood, died on April 29th at the young age of 51. Singleton, who had reportedly been diagnosed with hypertension, suffered a stroke on April 17th and was … more
Your Estate Planning Goals
> 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. … more
U.S. Supreme Court Rules on Beneficiary Designation Dispute
> Relying on state or federal laws to administer your estate is never advisable. > Beneficiary designations supersede the provisions of a Will or Trust. > By organizing your assets as a part of your estate planning, you can ensure … more
Estate Planning for the Single Person
> Every legal adult should ensure that his or her wishes are clearly stated in proper estate planning documents. > Safety nets available to married individuals with children are not as reliable for single individuals. > Failing to … more
2018 Estate Tax Update
POWER POINTS > The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act increases the estate and gift tax exemption to $11.2 million per person in 2018. > Estate plans that are outdated or fail to consider the estate tax at the state level … more
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 … more
Painless Estate Planning
Creating a responsible estate plan does not have to be as painful or difficult as many people believe. As a matter of fact, the whole process can be completed within a few weeks. More importantly, once it is complete, you … more
Estate Planning, Marriage and Divorce
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
