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A comment that I hear from many people is that they want their kids to have access to their inheritance, but they also don’t want the assets to be mismanaged or go to a divorcing spouse or other creditor.  In their minds, how their kids (or their surviving spouse) receives […]

On December 17, 2010, the Tax Relief, Unemployment Insurance Reauthorization, and Job Creation Act of 2010 (the “Act”) became law. The Act provides estate planning opportunities that have never been available. However, the Act is temporary. It is structured to sunset on December 31, 2012, so its opportunities have a […]

For decades estate planning has focused on avoiding or minimizing federal estate, gift and generation-skipping transfer taxes. During the last several years, however, income tax has taken on a more significant role. That’s not to say income tax wasn’t a factor before. But until recently, it was overshadowed by transfer […]

Lately, news about the economy has been downright depressing. But like most problems, the current economic woes also present some extraordinary opportunities. one of these involves estate planning: Low interest rates combined with depressed stock and real estate prices make it an ideal time to transfer wealth to your children or grandchildren. […]

Designing an estate plan can be a delicate balancing act. On the one hand, you want to preserve as much wealth as possible for your family by protecting it from estate taxes and creditors’ claims. On the other hand, you want to have some control over your assets during your […]

Whether your wealth matches that of Bill Gates or Warren Buffett, or your resources are more modest, the purpose of estate planning is the same: to ensure your assets are distributed according to your wishes and to preserve those assets so there’s something left to distribute when you die. Read […]

When it comes to marriage, money can be an emotionally charged subject. But few topics evoke a more passionate response than the prenuptial agreement. Despite their reputation as romance killers, however, prenups can be an effective way for many couples to achieve their financial and estate planning goals. Read More…

It’s said that the only thing certain is change, and nowhere is this more true that in estate planning. Given the estate tax’s uncertain future, it’s more important than ever to build flexibility into your estate plan. Read More…

The real estate “bubble” may have burst, but many landowners continue to hold property that has appreciated significantly in value. One option for tax efficiently divesting yourself of such real estate is to donate it to charity. But there are a number of traps for the unwary.  

If you’re like most people, your home is your most valuable asset. And one of the most effective strategies for passing your home to your children or other loved ones while minimizing gift or estate taxes also is one of the simplest: the joint purchase. Read More…