Is an Income-Tax Time Bomb Lurking in Your Estate Plan?
As the federal estate tax exemption has ballooned from $5 million in 2011 to $13.99 million today, the need for estate tax planning has drastically decreased. However, with a top marginal income tax rate of 37 percent, the focus of estate planning has shifted to a new frontier: income tax basis planning.
Does Treating Your Children Fairly Mean Unequal Inheritances?
When thinking through their estate plan and how they want their assets managed after they pass away, most parents wish to treat their children equally, often out of a sense of fairness. However, sometimes being fair or doing what is right by your children may mean giving unequal inheritances.
Being Deployed? Here Is What You Need to Do
You have just received your orders, and you will be deployed shortly. No matter how soon you are leaving, there is still time to ensure that your affairs are in order.
From Game Shows to Estate Plans: Insights from Regis Philbin
Regis Philbin, the Guinness World Record holder for the most hours on US television, was a familiar face in millions of homes for decades. By the time he retired from […]
Planning Beyond the Ring: Estate Insights from George Foreman
Born into an impoverished Houston household in 1949, George Foreman lived a rags-to-riches tale of pure Americana: Olympic gold medalist, heavyweight boxing champion, ordained minister, global pitchman, and father to […]
The Legacy of Film Legend Val Kilmer
Actor Val Kilmer’s passing in April 2025 highlights estate planning issues that can affect almost anyone. Although Kilmer was a celebrity, these issues—including managing real estate in more than one […]
Do Not Leave Your Loved Ones with a Sticky Mess
There is nothing quite like ice cream on a warm summer day served just the way you like it. You are outside, maybe on a shaded bench or strolling down […]
Adding Toppings to Your Estate Plan
As much as Americans love ice cream, our tastes run pretty plain. Vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry consistently dominate “Top 5” flavor lists.[1] When we add toppings, we usually reach for […]
Different Flavors of Transferring Your Money and Property Outside of Probate
It is summertime, and the living is easy. Maybe you spent the day out on the boat, at the beach, or at home relaxing in your most comfortable lounge chair. […]
Your Divorce Decree: The First Step in Estate Planning
You and your spouse have recently divorced, and the judge has signed the divorce decree. Now what? Although you may feel that you have spent enough time and money on lawyers, there is one last attorney you need to talk to: an estate planning attorney.