I am always amazed at how often I hear someone say that they do not think they need a will because they are either not married or do not have children. In fact, that is all the more reason to have an estate plan! I recently came across a statistic that is alarming: 50% of… Continue reading »
Jul
03
Mar
21
The Reluctant Estate Plan Client
The greatest challenge I face in my estate planning practice is motivating clients to follow through with an estate plan. I have seen firsthand the financial and emotional toll on families when the proper planning is not done. Yet as much as I try to educate clients and potential clients about how proper estate planning… Continue reading »
Sep
22
News from the Estate Planning Department
You may or may not be aware that the Tax Relief, Unemployment Insurance Reauthorization and Job Creation Act of 2010 contains several changes that favorably impact estate planning and taxes through 2012. These laws, however, will expire on December 31, 2012, and without further action by Congress, will revert to the laws in effect in… Continue reading »
Oct
25
Estate Planning for Disabled Children
If your family includes a disabled child or grandchild, there are special considerations when making an estate plan. A primary concern is to assure that that the disabled child (minor and adult) is provided for financially, so that he or she has an adequate quality of life and standard of living. There are two types… Continue reading »
Feb
03
10 Things Estate Planning Can Do for You
1. Provide for your immediate family. 2. Provide for other relatives who need help and guidance. 3. Get your property to beneficiaries quickly. 4. Plan for incapacity. 5. Minimize expenses. 6. Choose executors/trustees for your estate. 7. Ease the strain on your family. 8. Help a favorite cause. 9. Reduce taxes on your estate. 10.… Continue reading »