2 09, 2016

Using Trusts as an Alternative to Prenuptial Agreements

2018-02-02T22:10:45-05:00September 2nd, 2016|

Although it is difficult for couples to imagine divorce while they are in the midst of pre-wedding bliss, it is a reality that must be addressed in an age when close to fifty percent of marriages end in divorce. In [...]

1 09, 2016

What To Do After a Loved One Dies

2018-02-02T22:10:45-05:00September 1st, 2016|

If you've been appointed an executor of a loved one's estate, or a successor trustee, and that person dies, your grief – not to mention your to-do list, including tasks ranging from planning the funeral, coordinating relatives coming in from [...]

22 08, 2016

Transferring a Mortgaged Property into a Living Trust

2024-10-12T08:20:30-04:00August 22nd, 2016|

Estimates from online real estate search firm Zillow indicate that nearly one-third of homeowners own their home free and clear. For the unlucky two-thirds who have either one or multiple mortgages on their home and are considering an estate plan [...]

19 08, 2016

Stepped-Up Basis in Inherited Assets

2018-02-02T22:10:45-05:00August 19th, 2016|

When considering leaving property to beneficiaries, tax considerations factor heavily in estate planning. Since one is hard pressed to find any aspect of our life (and death) that is not subject to some form of taxation, it should not come [...]

19 08, 2016

Why Most Estate Plans Do Not Work

2018-02-02T22:10:45-05:00August 19th, 2016|

Estate planning can be a tedious and complicated process, which if not conducted properly can result in assets being wasted due to being placed in expensive probate proceedings or unduly subjected to creditor claims and tax liability. The sad truth [...]

19 08, 2016

Medicaid Crisis vs. Medicaid Planning

2018-02-02T22:10:45-05:00August 19th, 2016|

A health condition that requires a family member to receive permanent, long-term care often does not occur with a great deal of advanced notice, particularly if the health event occurs suddenly such as in the case of a stroke or [...]

14 08, 2016

Do You Need to Avoid Probate?

2018-02-02T22:10:45-05:00August 14th, 2016|

Probate is the legal process of presenting your Will to the Court after your death to authenticate it, and appoint your Executor. Your Executor must be appointed by the Court in order to collect and distribute your assets as stated [...]

12 08, 2016

What To Do When a Disability Throws Your Estate Plan Into Chaos

2018-02-02T22:10:45-05:00August 12th, 2016|

As poet Robert Burns mused centuries ago, “The best-laid plans of mice and men often go awry.” Despite thoughtful effort and a concerted strategy, you cannot prepare for every emergency. A car accident, sudden illness, workplace injury or chronic medical [...]