» Estate Planning

LLC on blocks of wood demonstrating Corporate Transparency Act

Will the Corporate Transparency Act Apply to You?

Starting on January 1, 2024, under a new law called the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA), owners of certain business entities must file a report with the federal government including details regarding the ownership of their entity. The CTA was enacte… Read More
Image of person holding a wrapped gift demonstrating lifetime gifts

Estate Plan Lessons from DeMuth v. Commissioner: Lifetime Gifts and Taxes

Lifetime gifts are a popular way to reduce estate and inheritance taxes. Currently, only estates worth $12.92 million or more are subject to the federal estate tax. Twelve states and the District of Columbia levy an additional estate or inheritance t… Read More
Categories: Estate Planning
Globe symbolizing living as expats and issues for estate planning

Estate Planning for Expats

The United States hosts the highest number of immigrants in the world, but increasingly, Americans say they are looking to relocate permanently to another country as an expat overseas. A large percentage of wealthy Americans are also interested in bu… Read More
Categories: Estate Planning
Vespa and Direction Sing Plan B or Plan A

What Do I Do If I Want to Undo My Revoked Will?

When life circumstances change, you may alter the decisions you have made in your estate planning documents. You might choose to revoke your will at some point. But what if you have a change of heart and want to reinstate it? There are different ways… Read More
Close up of a person signing a contract using a pen

What Happens to My Leased Car If I Die Before the Lease Term Ends?

After a house, a car is often the second-most valuable piece of property a person owns. And although the number has been falling, about 15–20 percent of new vehicles are leased rather than purchased and financed. Leasing is a popular alternative to… Read More
Categories: Estate Planning, Probate
Estate Planning Word Cloud

How Far in Advance Can I Begin My Estate Planning?

You can create your estate plan at any time, but many people choose to begin the process of estate planning sooner rather than later. Why? Because you never know when life-changing medical or financial emergencies can strike that will require someone… Read More
Pearl necklace, class ring, embroidered hankerchief

Sometimes Stuff Is the Most Important Part of Your Estate Plan

Most people usually think about who will receive their retirement and bank accounts, life insurance proceeds, real estate, and other valuable possessions upon their death. However, a person’s personal property (their stuff) can also be a source of… Read More
Illustration of judge standing behind podium, flags behind him

When Families are Estranged: What is the Impact on Estate Planning?

Unfortunately, rifts sometimes arise between family members that are much more serious than just temporary squabbles. The result may be estrangement, defined as “the state of being alienated or separated in feeling or affection; a state of hostilit… Read More
Categories: Estate Planning, Wills
Two women family couple or girls friends lifting hand showing the keys of new home house apartment, buying or renting real estate property, mortgage loan at living room.

Beware of Unequal Contributions When Buying a Home

At a time of record home unaffordability, more people are teaming up with friends and relatives to realize the home ownership dream of buying a home. According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), more than 75 percent of homes on the market… Read More
Time to Update Neon Sign

Four Things Your Spouse Should Know Before You Die

It is normal for spouses to share almost every aspect of their lives with each other. But when it comes to death, even the closest couples might become tight-lipped about certain topics. According to one study, half of all couples fail to discuss the… Read More