How You Can Keep Legal Claims From Threatening Their Property? Most of us do not expect to be sued. However, lawsuits are filed every day the courthouses are open. If your clients’ estate plans don’t include adequate asset protection, they could end up losing a substantial amount of their wealth in the event of a claim – even a “frivolous” one. It’s well worth talking…
Protecting Your Children’s Inheritance When You are Divorced
Consider this story. Beth’s divorce from her husband was recently finalized. Her most valuable assets are her retirement plan at work and her life insurance policy. She updated the beneficiary designations on both to be her two minor children. She did not want her ex-husband to receive the money. Beth passes away one year after her divorce. Her children are still minors, so the retirement…
Does Your Family Know About Your Estate Plan?
A Guide for How Much to Share and With Whom It’s the thick of tax season and you’ve probably been working on (or recently finished) your income tax returns. Most of us don’t feel comfortable sharing the details of our tax returns, unless we have to – for example when applying for a mortgage. But your estate plan, an important part of having your affairs…
Planning Your Summer Vacation? 5 Things to Consider Now
Hopefully with the last of the season’s Nor’easters behind us, winter will soon start to thaw and flowers will begin to bud. This can only mean one thing: summer vacation planning season is here. As vacation planning kicks into high gear, here are a few important things to add to your vacation readiness checklist. Guardian nomination – if you have minor children If it’s just…
How Remodeling a Client’s Trust Can Retain Assets Under Management while Saving Clients Money
It’s a common misconception that clients can take a “set-it-and-leave-it” approach to trusts. Just as homes or office buildings must be remodeled or updated from time to time, a trust-centered estate plan can often benefit from a remodel or refresh. Although the principle of trust-centered estate planning has stood the test of time, there are many reasons that may necessitate a remodel for an old…
Last-Minute Opportunities Before the New Tax Law Takes Effect
(Below is an article about last minute planning considerations in light of the new tax act written by my colleague Andreea Olteanu, JD of WealthCounsel.) With 2017 coming to an end and sweeping tax reform legislation (Act) having been signed into law, some last-minute opportunities should be considered while the current law still applies. There are steps that taxpayers can take before the Act takes…
Have You Considered a Dynasty Trust for Your Family’s Estate?
Why You Should Think Twice Before Ruling One Out When most people hear the term “dynasty trust,” they assume it’s something for only the wealthiest of families. However, dynasty trusts are not as out of reach as you might think, and can be used by many more families of a greater wealth spectrum than currently use them. Demystifying dynasty trusts Dynasty trusts keep your wealth…
How to Protect Your Child’s Inheritance from His or Her Untrustworthy Spouse
Parents who develop an estate plan often do so to provide for their heirs financially. Many want to make sure hard-earned assets, family heirlooms, or closely held businesses stay within the family. Indeed, a common question is what cost effective options are available to protect a children’s inheritance from a spouse in the event of untrustworthiness or divorce. Thankfully, there are many ways to structure…
Modernizing an Outdated Estate Plan
What to do with a Confusing, Old Trust Estate plans evolve. Or at least they should. Any plan that fails to achieve your goals and doesn’t match your current financial and family circumstances is out of date and is in need of an overhaul. We can help you revitalize the obsolete aspects of your plan and get you back on track for the future. How…
3 Ways Your Trust Can Help a Loved One With Mental Illness
When a loved one suffers from a mental illness, one small comfort can be knowing that your trust can help take care of them through thick and thin. There are some ways this can happen, ranging from the funding of various types of treatment to providing structure and support during his or her times of greatest need. Let’s explore a few ways your trust can…