“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 more....
View ArticleHow to Dispose of “Stuff”
Clients are often most concerned about how to dispose of their tangible personal property, i.e., their “stuff.” Often even wealthy clients are most concerned with the things around them rather than...
View ArticlePlan 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 for...
View ArticleABLE 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. The post ABLE Accounts Complement Special Needs Trusts...
View ArticleEstate 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...
View ArticleTrust Distribution Standards May Be Very Broad
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. The post Trust...
View ArticleRoth IRAs Can Be a Great Planning Strategy: Basics
Roth IRAs can be a great planning strategy. They can save taxes and help in many ways. Read on to learn more. The post Roth IRAs Can Be a Great Planning Strategy: Basics appeared first on Amen, Gantner...
View ArticleRevocable Trusts Are Not Always Treated the Same as an Individual
A revocable trust is treated the same as the individual for most purposes. But for some narrow purposes it can be treated differently. Read on to learn more. The post Revocable Trusts Are Not Always...
View ArticleIt’s Important to Have a Coordinated Estate Plan
There are many parts to an Estate Plan. The Revocable Trust is just one part. It’s important to coordinate the various parts of the Estate Plan. Read on to learn more. The post It’s Important to Have a...
View ArticleRoth IRAs Can Be a Great Planning Strategy: Advanced
This is the second in a two-part series on Roth IRAs. The first part reviewed the basics of Roth IRAs. Read on to learn more. The post Roth IRAs Can Be a Great Planning Strategy: Advanced appeared...
View ArticleDangers of Do-It-Yourself Estate Planning
Occasionally, those who are not Estate Planning attorneys will attempt to do their own Estate Planning. Perhaps they’ll go online and get a document to use. Unfortunately, Estate Planning is about far...
View ArticleAdvantages of Using a “Grantor Trust” in Planning
Grantor trusts are trusts which are income taxed to the “substantial owner” of the trust. Usually, the substantial owner is otherwise known as the “grantor” or “trustor.” Grantor trusts can be quite...
View ArticleConservation Easements Can Be a Good Solution
Often, a client wants to keep land in the family. Sometimes they want to discourage further development and get tax benefits for doing so. A conservation easement can help achieve both objectives. Read...
View ArticleChanging “Irrevocable” Trusts Through Decanting
Irrevocable Trusts are often included as part of a comprehensive estate plan and are usually established many years before they pay out or terminate. These trusts didn’t change with changes in...
View ArticleChanging “Irrevocable” Trusts Through Judicial and Nonjudicial Modification
Irrevocable Trusts have long been an effective, albeit static, estate planning tool. These trusts didn’t always change with circumstance, but now they can. This article explores how. The post...
View ArticleDonor Advised Funds: Too Good to Be True?
There’s a way to make a charitable gift and yet be able to influence where it goes and how it’s invested. This can be very handy if you want to time your charitable giving for income tax reasons. Read...
View ArticleChanging “Irrevocable” Trusts Through Use of a Trust Protector
Advisors often include irrevocable trusts as part of a comprehensive estate plan to achieve both tax and non-tax goals. The use of irrevocable trusts can cause apprehension because of the perception...
View ArticleHow Using Specific Bequests Could Cost Beneficiaries their Inheritance
Parents often decide to leave one child a specific asset and provide an equalizing cash bequest to the other. This article explores how specific bequests may provide unintended results. Read on to...
View ArticleHow Estate Planning Documents Help Prevent Elder Abuse
As loved ones and parents age, they become more vulnerable to fraudulent schemes. This article explores how a solid estate plan can help protect the elderly from becoming victims. Read on to learn...
View ArticleCharitable Planning in Times of Crisis
During times of uncertainty, we tend to feel helpless. This article explores how charitable giving gives us a sense of purpose in trying times. Read on to learn more. The post Charitable Planning in...
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