A revocable trust (sometimes referred to as a “living trust”) is a popular estate planning tool that allows you to manage your assets during your lifetime and ensure a smooth transfer of those assets to your family after your death. Plus, trust assets bypass the probate process, which can save time, reduce costs and maintain […]Continue reading
Your estate plan is the perfect place to make charitable gifts if you’re a charitably inclined individual. One vehicle to consider using is a donor-advised fund (DAF). What’s the main attraction? Among other benefits, a DAF allows you to set aside funds for charitable giving while you’re alive, and you (or your heirs) can direct […]Continue reading
An inheritor’s trust is a specialized estate planning tool designed to protect and manage assets you pass to a beneficiary. One of its primary advantages is asset protection. It allows your beneficiary to receive his or her inheritance in trust rather than as an outright gift or bequest. Thus, the assets are kept out of […]Continue reading
Does your estate plan leave specific assets to specific family members? If so, you may want to reconsider your plan. While it may be tempting to say, leave your son your classic car and give your daughter a family heirloom, doing so risks inadvertently disinheriting other family members, even if you’ve gone out of your […]Continue reading
It’s not uncommon for people who live in states with high income taxes to relocate to states with more favorable tax climates. Did you know that you can use a similar strategy for certain trusts? Indeed, if a trust is subject to high state income tax, you may be able to change its residence — […]Continue reading
Traditional estate planning strategies generally are based on the assumption that all family members involved are U.S. citizens. However, if you or your spouse is a noncitizen, special rules apply that require additional planning. Avoid costly tax traps by understanding how the U.S. gift and estate tax laws apply to noncitizens. Defining “domicile” Noncitizens can […]Continue reading
If you’re the parent of a newborn, toddler or older child, you may be thinking about naming a guardian for him or her. This can be a difficult decision, especially if you have many choices or, on the other hand, no one you can trust. The following are answers to common questions about guardianship: How […]Continue reading
An advance health care directive allows you to communicate your preferences, in advance, for medical care in the event you become incapacitated. Often part of a comprehensive estate plan, these directives sometimes go by different legal names depending on your jurisdiction. Let’s take a closer look at a few health care directives you should consider […]Continue reading
Estate planning involves creating a strategy to manage your assets, healthcare decisions, and the well-being of your loved ones during your lifetime and after your death. A well-designed estate plan uses various tools to ensure your wishes are carried out, minimize taxes, and avoid potential disputes. Here’s an overview of the most common estate planning […]Continue reading
In many respects, estate planning for single parents is similar to that of families with two parents. Parents want to provide for their children’s care and financial needs after they’re gone. However, when only one parent is involved, certain aspects of an estate plan demand special attention. If you’re a single parent, here are five […]Continue reading
