Many individuals mistakenly believe that they need a large estate before concerning themselves with taxes at their death. While the Federal government does not impose taxes until an estate exceeds the … [Read more...] about Understanding Tax Apportionment Clauses
What Makes a Will or Trust Invalid
Clients often worry about the execution of their plan after death. Sometimes, individuals fail to see their complicity in the destruction of their plan. Numerous ways exist to invalidate an Estate … [Read more...] about What Makes a Will or Trust Invalid
How Do I Title Thee…Part 1
We often consider Estate Planning documents such as a Will, Trust, Property Power of Attorney, and health care documents to be the building blocks of an Estate Plan. While a necessary and important … [Read more...] about How Do I Title Thee…Part 1
Spring Summit 2022: Celebrating Friendship in the Lone Star State
The best Estate Planners stay current on the latest trends. The American Academy of Estate Planning held its semi-annual conference providing education and learning for and inspiring excellence in its … [Read more...] about Spring Summit 2022: Celebrating Friendship in the Lone Star State
Business Succession Planning May Be Easier than You Think
Many Estate Planning attorneys shy away from business succession planning, but if you approach it like you do any other asset, it’s not so scary! First, it’s important to understand that entities … [Read more...] about Business Succession Planning May Be Easier than You Think
What an In Terrorem Clause Can Do for You
Estate Planning practitioners field questions regarding disinheriting beneficiaries regularly. The second question often relates to what happens when that beneficiary or any other tries to have the … [Read more...] about What an In Terrorem Clause Can Do for You
The Toll of Serving as Fiduciary
Estate Planning attorneys balance competing interests when helping clients decide who they should name as personal representative and trustee. Some of the factors that a client needs to consider are … [Read more...] about The Toll of Serving as Fiduciary
The Power in Powers of Appointment
Estate Planning attorneys balance competing interests when creating estate plans. Uncertainty about the future concerning taxes and each beneficiary’s situation requires flexibility in an Estate Plan. … [Read more...] about The Power in Powers of Appointment
Just When You Thought You Understood the 10-Year Rule, Think Again
IRAs have become ubiquitous components of estate plans. The SECURE Act of 2019 altered the landscape for IRAs significantly by eliminating the stretch benefit for most designated beneficiaries and … [Read more...] about Just When You Thought You Understood the 10-Year Rule, Think Again
Estate Planning – Something You Shouldn’t Do Yourself
It’s tempting to think that by taking the time to hand-write your Will or preparing a do-it-yourself plan, you can avoid many of the issues that arise with a Will. In fact, the opposite may be true. … [Read more...] about Estate Planning – Something You Shouldn’t Do Yourself