Many of our clients start with what we call a living trust or a revocable living trust. But is that enough? While these trusts are great for their intended purpose, they do not offer true asset protection. Contrary to popular belief, you will not be protected simply...
Year: 2022
Do I Need to Worry About the Generation-Skipping Transfer Tax?
Many of my clients who are grandparents care deeply for their grandchildren and want to support them as best they can. However, when a grandparent leaves assets to a grandchild, and therefore “skips” over their parents, the generation-skipping transfer tax (GSTT) can...
Signing the Nursing Home Contract
Most people spend more time reviewing their contract for a car than understanding the contract for their loved one’s nursing home. The best approach for anyone contemplating an admission of a loved one to a facility is to understand the law AND the contract prior to...
When Should You Start Planning for a Conservatorship?
Caring for an aging loved one is an honorable act, and yet one filled with emotional decisions along the way. One particular decision that can feel difficult to make, is when it is time to seek a conservatorship. A conservatorship will allow you to formally file in...
Estate Planning Tips for Singles
In 2021, the United States Census indicated that there were over 37 million one-person households, or 28 percent. This represents a significant rise that’s only expected to continue. For example, in 1960 one-person households only represented about 13 percent of...
Durable Power of Attorney: What it is and why you should name one
When tragedy strikes, it’s only natural to think of safety and health first. In the aftermath, it’s common for it to take a while to see how life marches on, bills come due, and the world still turns – whether or not we are able to meet our financial obligations and...
Understanding The Lifetime Estate Tax Exemption
Many of my clients want to gift or transfer property to beneficiaries of their choosing. There are several options. Each person may make outright gifts to any number of people they choose during their life time annually. The amount allowed changes but today, you can...
What Happens When You’re Gone? Your Estate Plan Can Help
It is easy for you to assume that you won’t need estate planning until you are older, and put it off until you become incapacitated or die without having addressed this important need. The Pandemic made many re-consider this assumption, and caused many more of us to...
Your Dream Trip Abroad: Travelling with Covid. Here’s how involved it is!
Many of my clients are adventuresome and had foiled travel plans because of the Pandemic. Many remain afraid to travel and contract Covid. It is not a shame to be afraid, or to postpone travel if you are not comfortable. But for others like myself—we are chomping at...
Who Really Needs Estate Planning?
Too many family members find themselves dealing with complex problems after a loved one passes away. This can include issues such as intestate succession when a person dies without a will. When the state takes over, any personal wishes you might have had about your...