What Happens If You Don’t Name Beneficiaries?
If you’ve had an IRA and a 401(k) for many years, you may occasionally ask yourself some questions: ‘Am I contributing enough?’ ‘Am I still funding these accounts with the right mix of investments for my goals and risk tolerance?
What’s Happening to the Estate Tax?
Under current rules, the federal estate tax won’t ever affect you, unless you’re quite wealthy. However, that could change rapidly, even if you are far from rich.
How Do You Split Estate in a Blended Family?
A second marriage can be a balm for the heartache of losing a spouse, be it through death or divorce. Nevertheless, if there are children or other heirs involved, you should consider carefully what will happen with your money and possessions when you pass on.
What Should LGBTQ+ People Know about Estate Planning?
The conversation about being prepared for the passing of a partner can be difficult to have but navigating the issue can be more complicated for LGBTQ+ families.
What are Conservatorships and Is Britney Spears’ Typical?
While Britney Spears says her own conservatorship is abusive, the legal device has long been criticized for facilitating elder abuse and undercutting disability rights.
How Do I Sell a Home in an Irrevocable Trust?
I’m a trustee selling a home in irrevocable trust for a parent who died. There are two beneficiaries who will get the sale proceeds with a stepped-up basis. I’m filing Form 1041 but do I still have to file a Form 1040 to report anything for the beneficiaries?
What Not to Do when Creating an Estate Plan
Sometimes people attempt to make an estate plan online without consulting legal and financial professionals to avoid the higher cost. However, everyone’s situation is unique, and using a boilerplate estate plan can lead to mistakes.
What Should Same-Sex Couples Know about Estate Planning?
Some people might assume that estate planning is only for the wealthy. However, the reality is that anyone can, and should, engage in estate planning, regardless of wealth. Although creating an estate plan for same-sex couples isn’t totally different than for heterosexual couples, there are some considerations that are unique to same-sex couples.
What Is the Primary Purpose of a Credit Shelter Trust?
A credit shelter trust is used to help married couples with significant assets pass their estates after their deaths to children or other beneficiaries without incurring estate taxes.
Why Do You Need a Health Care Directive?
A heath care directive is a legal document that lets you express your health care preferences and, if you wish, designate authority to someone to make care decisions for you, if you cannot make them yourself.