Trustee distribution standards could be very broad. “Health, education, maintenance, and support” is such a standard, which has its origin in tax regulations. Read on to learn more. … [Read more...] about Trust Distribution Standards May Be Very Broad
Estate Planning Conference Discusses “For the 99.5% Act,” SECURE, and More
The Heckerling conference, the largest conference for Estate Planning in the country, occurred recently. Many of the thought leaders in Estate Planning and Elder Law got together and discussed recent … [Read more...] about Estate Planning Conference Discusses “For the 99.5% Act,” SECURE, and More
Learning and Camaraderie at the Academy Summit
The Academy takes learning seriously. The Academy’s Spring Summit included numerous substantive legal education sessions, as well as sessions on marketing and law office management. The virtual … [Read more...] about Learning and Camaraderie at the Academy Summit
ABLE Accounts Complement Special Needs Trusts
ABLE accounts are a nice, flexible way to supplement the usefulness of a Special Needs Trust. But certain limits apply. Read on to learn more. … [Read more...] about ABLE Accounts Complement Special Needs Trusts
Plan Now for the Incredible Shrinking Exclusion
There is a great deal of legislation pending and much is uncertain. But this much is certain, the estate tax exclusion will go down by half beginning 2026 under current law. Now is the time to plan … [Read more...] about Plan Now for the Incredible Shrinking Exclusion
Use It Before It’s Gone
The amount you can pass free from estate tax is at a record high of $11.7 million per person. There’s legislation which would lower the exclusion to $3.5 million per person. Married people can take … [Read more...] about Use It Before It’s Gone
Tax Proposals Could Alter Estate Planning Landscape
Senators Sanders and Whitehouse have introduced legislation in the Senate which would significantly alter the Estate Planning landscape. It would dramatically change the tools we use to plan for our … [Read more...] about Tax Proposals Could Alter Estate Planning Landscape
CRT: Best Tool for Proposed Tax Changes?
Tax proposals would increase capital gains rates, among other things. These proposed changes could make a Charitable Remainder Trust look even better. A Charitable Remainder Trust can earn the donor … [Read more...] about CRT: Best Tool for Proposed Tax Changes?
The Role of the Estate Planning Attorney
Clients often come to an Estate Planning attorney with specific ideas in their minds. The attorney’s role is to counsel them regarding their plan, not just to draw up documents to accomplish it. Read … [Read more...] about The Role of the Estate Planning Attorney
“Last Will and Testament” Origin
Why do you have a “Last Will and Testament.” Even Estate Planning attorneys are unlikely to know the etymology of the term. It was the subject of a recent question on “Jeopardy.” Read on to learn … [Read more...] about “Last Will and Testament” Origin