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 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 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 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

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 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 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

A SLAT Offers Estate Planning Benefits and Acts as a Financial Backup Plan BY THEUS LAW OFFICES The most effective estate planning strategies often involve the use of irrevocable trusts. But what if you’re uncomfortable placing your assets beyond your control? What happens if your financial fortunes take a turn for the worse after you’ve irrevocably [...]Continue reading

Finding a 401(k) That’s Right for Your Business BY THEUS LAW OFFICES By and large, today’s employees expect employers to offer a tax-advantaged retirement plan. A 401(k) is an obvious choice to consider, but you may not be aware that there are a variety of types to choose from. Let’s check out some of the most [...]Continue reading

The BDIT: A Trust With a Twist BY THEUS LAW OFFICES The beneficiary defective inheritor’s trust (BDIT) allows you to enjoy the benefits of a traditional trust without giving up control over your property. BDITs can hold a variety of assets, but they’re particularly effective for assets that have significant appreciation potential or that may be [...]Continue reading