Estate planning can be overwhelming for many people, and it can be even more complex for today’s global families with international loved ones or with assets outside of the United States. For instance, someone whose spouse is not a U.S. citizen must keep unique legal considerations in mind while creating…
For those born between 1981 and 1995, estate planning may be associated with older generations and with being very wealthy. However, many millennials are at the age where they may be starting their own families or caring for aging parents. As millennials take on more responsibility in caring for loved…
In the last post, I wrote about some of the complexities of art in estate planning as well as some strategies to consider if art assets are a part of your estate plan. Here are some things to consider when it comes to tax implications and valuation in relation to…
When it comes to the world of art, its value goes beyond simple aesthetics or price. Art realizes a legacy for artists, collectors, investors, and dealers as well as for their loved ones. Stories of individuals such as James Gandolfini, James Brown, and Doris Duke serve as cautionary tales of…
If you are prioritizing charitable giving in your estate plan, you may want to consider using something called a donor-advised fund (DAF) which has become more popular in recent years. The value of DAF grants made to qualified charitable organizations increased 9% to $52.16 billion in 2022, and the number…
One way that a party may challenge a will during a will contest is to assert that undue influence was exerted over the decedent by the party who benefits from the disputed will. This raises the question: What is undue influence, and what proof is needed to demonstrate its presence?…
The beginning of a new year is an excellent time to take a new look at your current estate plan or to create one for the very first time. Here are some specific opportunities to consider in 2024: Increased Estate, Gift, and Generation-Skipping Transfer Tax Exemptions The estate, gift, and…
In the last post, I shared about how incapacity is defined and what may cause it. Here are ways incapacity relates to specific estate planning documents: Power of Attorney A power of attorney is a legal document that is used to appoint someone you trust to make decisions for you.…
You’ll likely come across the term “incapacitated” while planning with an attorney for your future and addressing challenges that may come along with aging. In this post, I’ll write about how incapacity is defined as well as what can cause it, and next week I’ll write about what this concept…
Using a trust as part of your estate plan can be beneficial in a number of ways, including maximizing tax code provisions to shield assets from gift and estate taxes, protecting assets from creditors or ex-spouses, or helping heirs be more responsible with their inheritance. Revocable living trusts can be…