Making Lifetime Gifts Continues To Be a Smart Estate Planning Strategy

With the federal gift and estate tax exemption now at a record high $11.58 million for 2020, most estates aren’t taxable. But that doesn’t mean making lifetime gifts isn’t without significant benefits — even if your estate isn’t taxable under the current rules. Let’s examine reasons why gifting remains an important part of estate planning. […]Continue reading

Oh, No, Your Original Will Is Missing!

In a world that’s increasingly paperless, you’re likely becoming accustomed to conducting a variety of transactions digitally. But when it comes to your last will and testament, only an original, signed document will do. The original vs. a photocopy Many people mistakenly believe that a photocopy of a signed will is sufficient. In fact, most […]Continue reading

Divorcing? Revise Your Estate Plan

If you’re going through a divorce, you probably feel a little overwhelmed by all the legal and financial items you must attend to before the marriage termination is final. These tasks can be difficult, but revising your estate plan doesn’t have to be. What the law says Divorce generally extinguishes your spouse’s rights under your […]Continue reading

5 Good Reasons to Turn Down an Inheritance

You may use a qualified disclaimer to refuse a bequest from a loved one. Doing so will cause an asset to bypass your estate and go to the next beneficiary in line. What are the reasons you’d take this action? Here are five reasons: Gift and estate tax savings. This is often cited as the […]Continue reading

A Divorce Necessitates An Estate Plan Review

A Divorce Necessitates An Estate Plan Review BY THEUS LAW OFFICES If you’re divorcing, it’s important to review your estate plan as early as possible, for two reasons: First, you may wish to revise your plan immediately to prevent your spouse from inheriting or gaining control over your assets if you die or become incapacitated before [...]Continue reading

Time Passages: Estate Planning Through The Years

Time Passages: Estate Planning Through The Years BY THEUS LAW OFFICES Virtually everyone needs an estate plan, but it is not a one-size-fits-all proposition. Even though each person’s situation is unique, general guidelines can be drawn depending on your current stage of life. The early years If you have recently embarked on a career, gotten married, [...]Continue reading

Estate Planning And The Coronavirus

Estate Planning in the Age of Coronavirus is Like a Vaccine. It Must Be Administered IN ADVANCE. BY THEUS LAW OFFICES State of the Union in Louisiana As of this writing, the Governor of Louisiana has ordered the closure of restaurants, bars, casinos, and gyms, in addition to public school. Colleges have closed their doors moving [...]Continue reading

Because of COVID-19, College-Aged Children Need a Basic Estate Plan

It’s August, and that means it’s time to get ready to go back to school for many students. If your child recently graduated from high school and is heading to college in the next few weeks, besides assembling the essentials — such as clothing, toiletries, bedding and a laptop — consider having your child “pack” […]Continue reading

Fortify Your Estate Plan Against Undue Influence Claims

Fortify Your Estate Plan Against Undue Influence Claims BY THEUS LAW OFFICES Of course, you expect the declarations in your will to be carried out, as required by law. Usually, that’s exactly what happens with wills. However, it’s possible your will could be contested and your true intentions defeated if someone is found to have exerted [...]Continue reading

Run the Numbers Before You Extend Customer Credit

Run the Numbers Before You Extend Customer Credit BY THEUS LAW OFFICES Funny thing about customers: They can keep you in business — but they can also put you out of it. The latter circumstance often arises when a company overly relies on a few customers that abuse their credit to the point where the company’s [...]Continue reading

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