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).
Does a Trust Protect You From a Lawsuit?
Trusts can provide certain benefits for estate planning, including asset protection. But can you sue a trust?
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?
How to Approach Parents about Estate Planning
If you have a parent over the age of, say, 65, thoughts about their future may have started to creep into your mind. However, because end-of-life planning can be emotional and overwhelming, it’s tempting to put these conversations off—and even more pleasing to avoid them altogether.
What Estate Planning Does My Child Need at 18?
Picture this…your child is in the hospital, but the on-call doctor won’t talk to you let alone allow you to weigh in on medical decisions. While hospitalized, your child’s bills are going unpaid because you can’t access their accounts—potentially wreaking havoc on their financial credit. Why? Because they’re over the age of 18.
Do I Need a Living Trust?
What Is a Living Trust?
Can I Change My Estate Plan During Divorce?
At such an emotional time, more paperwork is probably the last thing you want on your to-do list. However, taking a few key steps is critical to your financial future.
Is Estate Tax Exemption Going to Change?
The new numbers mean that wealthy taxpayers can transfer more to their heirs tax free during life—or at death. A lot more.
Do Gifts Count Toward Estate Taxes?
A recipient of a gift does not pay income taxes on the gift. However, the gift-giver may pay gift taxes, unless one of two exemptions applies.
Does Anyone Know Where Your Money Is?
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.
