Irrevocable trusts often can be modified. They can be modified under the Uniform Trust Code or a state law decanting. Read on to learn more about how a modification of a trust can help.Modifying an Irrevocable Trust … [Read more...]
Avoid Intestacy to Prevent Future Problems
As estate planning attorneys, we sometimes hear from a client that wants us to provide damage control. The individual does not know where to turn, because their last surviving parent passed away without any estate planning documents in place. There are things that we can do in many cases to mitigate the damage, but this is a tough situation that could have been avoided.They say that the only two certainties of life are death and taxes. With this in mind, everyone is prepared to file their … [Read more...]
What are UGMA and UTMA Accounts?
What are UTMA and UGMA accounts? Are there better alternatives? Read on to learn more about these accounts, their drawbacks, and better alternatives.What are UGMA and UTMA Accounts? … [Read more...]
What Are 529 Plans and What Are Their Advantages?
What are 529 plans? Can they be held in trusts? Read on to learn more about these plans and why to consider them.What Are 529 Plans and What Are Their Advantages? … [Read more...]
ABLE Accounts
An ABLE account is a great strategy for someone who became disabled by age 26. An ABLE account may be income tax-free. It has other unique benefits for a disabled person. Read on to learn more about the ABLE account and how it can help.ABLE Accounts … [Read more...]
Two Business Structures That Provide Asset Protection
You should definitely prioritize asset protection when you are starting a business. It is important to separate your personal property from the business assets, and vice versa. There are two legal structures that are typically utilized for small business owners that want to protect assets, and we will look at them in this post. Limited Liability Companies A limited liability company can provide an asset protection solution in many instances. When you establish an LLC, there is legal separation … [Read more...]
New Estate Tax Proposal
A new estate tax proposal would lower the amount passing free from tax to $3.5 million and increase the rates of taxation. It would also eliminate some tried and true strategies for reducing estate taxation. Read on to learn more about this proposal and its prospects.New Estate Tax Proposal … [Read more...]
Have You Considered the Impact of a Guardianship?
Studies that are conducted to gain an understanding of the estate planning preparedness of people around the country consistently yield some rather disturbing results. Most adults are going through life without any type of estate planning documents, and a very high percentage of younger folks are remiss.According to the American Association of Retired People, only 22 percent of individuals between the ages of 18 and 36 have a will or some other asset transfer vehicle in place. For people … [Read more...]
Two Tax Issues That Can Impact Your Estate
Many people feel as though the assets that you have left after you pay taxes all of your life should not be subject to taxation while they are being transferred after you die. Though this argument has merit, there is in fact a federal estate tax, and it is far more than a nuisance. This tax carries a very hefty 40 percent maximum rate.The existence of the estate tax is the bad news; the good news is that most families do not pay the tax, because there is an estate tax credit or exclusion … [Read more...]
State Income Taxation
States are all over the board in their taxation of income. Some tax at a low rate, some tax at a high rate, and some don’t tax at all. Read on to learn more about state income taxation and how you could avoid it.State Income Taxation … [Read more...]
