The 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act doubled the gift and estate tax exclusion amount—i.e., the amount that can either be excluded from your estate when determining if your estate will owe any taxes when you pass away or the amount you can gift to individuals during your lifetime without Continue reading
Newsletter Category: Client Focused Newsletter
Millennials, You Need an Estate Plan Too
As millennials (born 1981 to 1996), you are well known for your distinctiveness as a group. Your generation has followed paths and set goals that are decidedly different from those chosen by previous generations. You are highly diverse, better educated, more socially conscious, and Continue reading
Caregivers, You’re Not Planning Just for Yourself
As a caregiver, you spend much of your time, money, and energy taking care of the needs of others. Those who have taken on the role of caregivers for ill or disabled spouses, aging parents, children, or other loved ones with special needs are typically selfless and giving individuals Continue reading
Steps to Take When a Loved One Dies
As your estate planning attorneys, we are here to help you when your family member or loved one dies. If you are simply too overwhelmed to call us during the first couple of weeks after your loved one passes away, it is important to keep in mind that there are several practical and Continue reading
Estate Planning Awareness Week: Having a Conversation with Your Family About Their Estate Plan
In 2008, Congress recognized the need for the public to understand the importance and benefits of estate planning by passing House Resolution 1499, which designated the third week of October as National Estate Planning Awareness Week. Nevertheless, according to a 2019 survey carried Continue reading
Important Considerations for Beneficiary Designations of Life Insurance Policies
Life insurance is often one of the most important parts of an estate plan. People usually purchase life insurance to prevent their spouse, children, or other dependents from suffering financial hardship if they die unexpectedly.
You may think that all you need to do is simply write Continue reading
When Is It Critical to Review Your Estate Plan, and Why?
Just like other important life tasks, your estate plan deserves your time and attention. It’s important that you work with us to review your estate plan at least once a year. Think of this as your estate plan’s annual physical exam, and remember—prevention is the best cure.
An annual Continue reading
Niche Trusts: As Unique as You Are
You’re not a carbon copy of your neighbor. Likewise, your estate plan shouldn’t be a carbon copy of theirs.
A qualified estate planning team’s approach to counseling will be tailored to your specific needs. As your team works together to produce, tailor, or edit your estate plan, Continue reading
Your Vacation Checklist
You’ve packed sunblock and a beach novel. You’ve planned your itinerary and bought plane tickets. But have you ensured that your estate plan is up to date?
Don’t leave home without making sure your financial health and the future of your loved ones is provided for. It’s even more Continue reading
Want a Greater Sense of Purpose? Plan Your Legacy
When you think about the legacy you’ll leave, what comes to mind? Perhaps it’s security for your family or a positive contribution to your community. It could also be a tribute to the arts. Whatever it is, you don’t have to wait until you pass on to actualize your legacy. Now is the Continue reading