Make no mistake, serving as an executor (or a “personal representative” in some states) is an honor. But the title also includes significant responsibilities. So if a family member or a close friend asks you to be the executor of his or her estate, think about your answer before agreeing to the request. Let’s take […]Continue reading
Crisis Medicaid Planning is essentially emergency estate and asset protection work for individuals who are already in, or about to enter, a nursing home (or need long-term care at home) and who either have not done advance Medicaid planning or whose existing plan does not protect their assets from being rapidly depleted by care costs. […]Continue reading
Including a letter of instruction in your estate plan is a simple yet powerful way to communicate your personal wishes to your family and executor outside of formal legal documents. While not legally binding, the letter can serve as a road map to help those managing your estate carry out your wishes with fewer questions […]Continue reading
Incorporating charitable giving into your estate plan can be a thoughtful and strategic way to support causes you care about while also achieving estate planning objectives. Whether you’re driven by philanthropic goals, legacy planning or financial considerations, planned giving can be an effective tool if you’re seeking to make a lasting impact. You generally have […]Continue reading
Ever since the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) was signed into law in 2017, estate planners have had to take into account a looming date: January 1, 2026. While the TCJA effectively doubled the unified federal gift and estate tax exemption to $10 million (adjusted annually for inflation), it also required the amount to […]Continue reading
Members of the sandwich generation — those who find themselves simultaneously caring for aging parents while supporting their own children — face unique financial and emotional pressures. One critical yet often overlooked task amid this juggling act is estate planning. How can you best handle your parents’ financial affairs in the later stages of life? […]Continue reading
If you’re considering making asset transfers to your grandchildren or great grandchildren, be sure your estate plan addresses the federal generation-skipping transfer (GST) tax. This tax ensures that large estates can’t bypass a round of taxation that would normally apply if assets were transferred from parent to child, and then from child to grandchild. Because […]Continue reading
“Decanting” an irrevocable trust allows a trustee to use his or her distribution powers to transfer assets from one trust into another with different — often more favorable — terms. Much like decanting wine to separate it from sediment, trust decanting “pours” assets into a new vessel, potentially improving clarity and control. While the original […]Continue reading
When it comes to estate planning, one important decision many people struggle with is whether to share the details of their plans with family members. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer — it largely depends on your goals and your family’s dynamics. However, thoughtful communication can go a long way in reducing confusion and conflict after your […]Continue reading
With the federal gift and estate tax exemption amount set at $13.99 million for 2025, most people won’t be liable for these taxes. However, capital gains tax on inherited assets may cause an unwelcome tax bite. The good news is that the stepped-up basis rules can significantly reduce capital gains tax for family members who inherit […]Continue reading
