When you hear estate planning attorneys saying that it is important for the typical layperson to have legal representation you can take a cynical approach. You may assume that they are overstating the importance of legal counsel. But the fact of the matter is that the more you know about the estate tax you can see why you really need to retain an attorney and keep in touch on an ongoing basis to protect the interests of your family. Not everyone has to pay the estate tax. … [Read more...] about Was Estate Tax Really Repealed In 2010?
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Are Medicare Cuts On The Way?
It is said that all things are connected, even things that take place at a distance, and there is that "butterfly effect" that is said to prove this assertion. But when it comes to estate planning and otherwise preparing for the latter portion of your life, there is a very direct connection between your own future and some of the decisions that are made by the politicians in Washington. With this in mind we would like to highlight the role of the "super-committee" that has been … [Read more...] about Are Medicare Cuts On The Way?
Too Many Americans Have No Estate Plan
Though we are all aware of the fact that there are people who procrastinate and put some of their responsibilities on the back burner, you may think that most people are responsible enough to have an estate plan in place. But in fact, one of the reasons why we frequently emphasize how important it is to take action is because of the fact a surprisingly high percentage of people have not executed even the most basic of estate planning documents. There was a Harris poll conducted not too … [Read more...] about Too Many Americans Have No Estate Plan
Adjusting Your Estate Plan
One thing about estate planning that you need to keep in mind is that the initial estate plan that you create is probably not going to be appropriate throughout the entirety of your life. As years pass things will inevitably change and you will have additions and subtractions to the family, alterations in your financial profile, and perhaps changes in marital status. All of these life changes can call for adjustments to your estate plan, and this is why it is a good idea to develop a … [Read more...] about Adjusting Your Estate Plan
Domestic Partners Should Plan Ahead
There have been periodic flurries of news about states such as New York deciding to allow for marriages between same-sex couples over the last few years. At the present time New York joins Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Iowa, Connecticut, and the District of Columbia as places in the United States that are issuing marriage licenses to gay couples. So for the time being, individuals who take advantage of this opportunity have the same legal rights as heterosexual married … [Read more...] about Domestic Partners Should Plan Ahead
Charitable Remainder Unitrusts Provide Benefits
There are individuals out there who question why you would want to (or need to) engage the services of an estate planning attorney. They figure that all you have to do is draw up a last will and the matter is closed. And in fact, there are websites out there that will sell you blank generic last will documents. They tell you that all you have to do is fill in the blanks and you have all of your bases covered. The truth is that estate planning is not something that you want … [Read more...] about Charitable Remainder Unitrusts Provide Benefits
The Importance Of Estate Planning Expertise
If you are beginning to recognize the fact that you should have an estate plan in place you are probably going to start where most people do by doing some research on the Internet. There is a lot of good information to be found for sure, but you have to be able to separate the wheat from the chaff. Unfortunately there are some self-serving Internet marketers who will lure you in with the suggestion that estate planning is something that you can do for yourself. That is, if you … [Read more...] about The Importance Of Estate Planning Expertise
"Idol" Judge Cowell Wants Body Frozen
Estate planning attorneys will sometimes discuss final arrangements with their clients. It is possible to identify the funeral home that you would like to use and actually pay for the final expenses in advance. And if you want to, you can make your wishes clear in your estate planning documents regarding exactly how you would like your body to be handled and express your wishes regarding the type of memorial service you would prefer. The choice of how you want your body handled after … [Read more...] about "Idol" Judge Cowell Wants Body Frozen
Estate Tax Tantamount To A Gamble
Most Americans don't mind paying their fair share of taxes, but they really don't want to pay them twice. This is one of the problems that people have with the estate tax. Your legacy was accumulated with resources that you had left over after you paid income and payroll or self-employment taxes all of your life. In addition, people pay sales tax, property tax, capital gains tax, and a number of others that are less obvious. So why should the event of your death trigger a … [Read more...] about Estate Tax Tantamount To A Gamble
After 15 Years Anna Nicole Smith Matter Put To Rest
From the start you should look at estate planning as an ongoing process, and this is one reason why it is a good idea to develop a strong working relationship with your estate planning attorney. When you identify someone that you have come to know and trust he or she will gain an understanding of your situation over the years and give you continual, ongoing guidance so that your wishes are ultimately carried out. Multiple changes in marital status are quite common these days. When … [Read more...] about After 15 Years Anna Nicole Smith Matter Put To Rest
