How to Choose the Right Agents for Your Incapacity Plan
Many people believe that estate planning is only about planning for their death. But planning for what happens after you die is only one piece of the estate-planning puzzle. It […]
Are Pensions Treated the Same in Your Estate Plan as Other Retirement Accounts?
The first private pension plan in the United States was established in the late 1800s. Through 1980, nearly 40 percent of Americans were covered by a traditional employer-funded pension. But […]
Lucille Ball: Dangers of Being the First to Die
Lucille Ball was the queen of television comedy to an older generation of Americans. Today, more than 70 years after I Love Lucy premiered, reruns still air on late-night networks, […]
Gloria Vanderbilt: No Trust Fund Kids for Her
We are at the precipice of what is being called “The Greatest Wealth Transfer in History,” as baby boomers are set to pass down $84 trillion to younger generations.[1] Every […]
Beware of Nonlawyers Acting Like Lawyers
When people think about creating an estate plan, they may think it just involves getting a set of forms that convey their wishes regarding their finances, health, and what will […]
Let’s Do the Math: How Does the Generation-Skipping Transfer Tax Work?
You may have considered creating a trust to transfer wealth to your grandchildren and great-grandchildren. But you may not have considered how the generation-skipping transfer (GST) tax could affect this […]
Generation-Skipping Transfer Tax 101
Many people are familiar with the existence and some aspects of estate and gift taxes. If you are part of an ultra-high-net-worth family, it is important to also understand the […]
What Is a Residuary Clause and Why Is It Important?
With a residuary clause, you can intentionally disburse any items inadvertently left over to a named beneficiary or group of beneficiaries.
What Happens to Real Estate With a Mortgage When I Die?
Your mortgage does not simply disappear when you die. A few different scenarios can unfold, depending on the estate plan instructions.
Should You Share Your Estate Planning Details with Loved Ones?
When you decide to create a comprehensive estate plan, there are many things to consider. One is whether to tell your loved ones about your plan and how much information […]