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Your Family Deserves More Than an Estate Plan

If you want to leave a true legacy, a traditional estate plan is not enough. With Legacy Planning, you can pass on your values, wisdom, and family heritage along with your nest egg. You can also provide your children's inheritances with just the right amount of protection from the threats and challenges of life.

Planning Your Estate With Privacy in Mind

When you use a Will to plan your estate, much of your personal information becomes public after your death. A Trust can help you accomplish your estate planning goals while shielding your personal affairs from prying eyes.

Helping Your Parents Age Gracefully

Your mom and dad have always been there to guide you through life's challenges. Now, the tables are turning. Learn some strategies for gently helping your parents plan for the challenges they're likely to face as they age.

Does a Roth Make Sense for You?

Choosing between a traditional IRA and a Roth IRA can have significant tax and estate planning consequences. Whether a Roth is the right option depends on a number of factors, including an account owner's current income, anticipated post-retirement income, and estate planning goals.

Five Estate Planning Myths

Estate planning is on everyone's "should do" list, but it rarely seems to make it to the top of the "to do" list. Perhaps this is because of all the myths surrounding the estate planning process. Here are five common estate planning myths, along with the truths behind them.

Leaving a Lasting Legacy

When you really think about it, your true wealth is much more than just your accumulated assets or material possessions. With the right plan, you can protect and preserve your true wealth and create a legacy for your family that will last for generations to come.

Practical Strategies for Protecting Your Privacy

We’re all exposed to invasions of our privacy, large and small, during our lifetimes and even after death. These practical strategies make it easier to shield your family’s personal affairs from prying eyes.

Puppy Love: Planning Your Estate With a Pet Trust

Increasingly, pet owners are not just worried about providing for our pets during our lifetimes, we want to ensure that they get all the love and care they need after we’re gone, too. This article discusses the estate planning benefits a Pet Trust can provide for your furry and feathered animal companions.

Estate Planning Without a Crystal Ball

When you are planning your estate, it is important to remember that circumstances rarely stay the same over long periods of time. A plan that worked for your family when the kids were little may very well be obsolete by the time they've started families of their own. This is why it's important to ensure that you build flexibility into your plan.

Planning Your Estate? Don't Forget Insurance

The term "estate planning" usually calls to mind the process of creating a Will, establishing a Living Trust, or naming a guardian for young children. One piece of the estate planning puzzle that might not be readily apparent, though, is insurance. Learn how insurance in its many forms plays an important role in the estate planning process.

Help! My Attorney No Longer Practices Law

It's not something we often stop to think about, but attorneys experience life changes like anyone else. They may change careers or experience an illness or disability, or they may retire or even pass away. This article discusses the steps you should take if your estate planning lawyer no longer practices law.

What to Expect When You're Inheriting

At some point in our lives, we all dream of receiving an inheritance. We envision buying a new car, finally being able to afford private schools for the kids, or maybe even taking a trip around the world. But the reality of inheriting money or property often differs from our dreams. The process of settling an estate and distributing a deceased person’s assets can be time consuming. During this process you may have questions about taxes on various types of assets you may be inheriting, such as IRAs, valuable collectibles, and other property. This article provides a summary on what you can expect during this process if you’re anticipating an inheritance.

Parenting Your Grandchildren? You Need a Solid Estate Plan

According to data collected in the 2010 census, 4.9 million children under age eighteen live in grandparent-headed households. If you are in this growing number of grandparents returning to your “parent” role again, one of the pressing responsibilities that accompany your job as caregiver is to make sure you have a plan for your grandchildren in the event that something happens to you. And because you’re older now than you were the first time around, planning becomes even more important. This article reviews why it is imperative to have an estate plan in place and what a basic plan should include.

One Big Happy Family: How to Avoid an Estate Dispute

Picture this… You’re at the end of your long, fulfilling life and you’re ready to say goodbye to your loved ones and leave this world in peace. And then… your family declares war on each other. This scenario plays out all too often even in the closest of families. This article examines helpful ways to plan and avoid divisive family disputes after you are gone.

Helping Your Parents Through Their Twilight Years

As a child, your parents were there to guide and support you as you faced life’s challenges and obstacles in your path growing up. Similarly, as your parents age, and become less independent, they will rely on you as they face new challenges in their twilight years. This article examines how planning well in advance is important to ensure that no matter what lies ahead, their care and financial affairs will be looked after. Regardless of their financial means, if they are wealthy or of more modest means, there is a plan that can meet the specific needs of your family.

What Does a Millionaire Look Like?

Last year, the number of households in the United States with a net worth of $1 million or more grew by 16%, reaching 7.8 million. So, what does a typical American millionaire look like? The answer may surprise you. This article reveals characteristics and habits these self-made millionaires have in common and how you can learn and prosper from their example.

What to Do With a Windfall

We've all had dreams of striking it rich one day. But what would you do if your dream actually became reality? If you unexpectedly come into an inheritance or a large sum of money, it is important to know what other issues come with this new found wealth. Taxes, estate planning and financial planning to name a few, need to be considered and addressed. This article covers what to do if your dream of sudden wealth comes true and how best to handle this happy windfall.

How to Help Others While Reducing Your Taxes

Lately it seems like natural disasters around the world are regular occurrences; from earthquakes in South America and China to hurricanes in the Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico. We feel empathetic for the victims, but often feel powerless to help. While we may be too far to personally help the victims of these disasters, many of us send donations to help people in these communities. However, sending a check may not be the wisest choice for taking advantage of the potential tax saving benefits offered through other gifting methods. This article discusses the main gifting strategies for maximizing tax benefits, such as Charitable Trusts.

Home Comforts: Maximizing Your Most Valuable Asset

If you're like many Americans, your home is your single most valuable asset, both emotionally and financially. In addition to being the center of your family life and possibly your most significant financial investment, your home can offer you benefits in terms of taxes, estate planning and asset protection. This article provides various examples of the benefits you can take advantage of as a home owner. With the help of a qualified estate planning attorney, you can make the most of your home, now and in the future.

Estate Planning: It's About More Than Taxes

In 2010, contrary to a lot of people's expectations, Congress allowed the one-year repeal of the estate tax. Despite all the fuss, the estate tax repeal didn't eliminate the need for estate planning. Why? Estate planning is about so much more than just taxes. This article discusses the many non-tax related reasons why it's important to have an estate plan in place.

The Impact of Dying Without an Estate Plan

Most of us expect that we'll be around to see another day. However, many people die unexpectedly from accidents, heart attacks, and other misfortunes. However, another big tragedy is dying without an estate plan due to procrastination. The time to plan is when we're alive and well, before illness or incapacity can strike an unexpected blow. This article looks at what would happen if you passed away with no plan in place to outline your wishes both during any period of incapacity and after your death.

Calculating Your Financial Wealth

There are many financial and non-financial reasons to know your net worth. Estate planning is one of those important times when knowing your net worth is essential. When you plan your estate, your attorney needs to have an idea of your financial assets in order to design a plan that achieves your goals and preserves your assets for your family and loved ones. This article provides 3 simple steps to assist you with calculating the financial value of your assets.

Tax Saving Benefits of a Life Insurance Trust

Most people have heard of a Living Trust, but not many have heard of an "ILIT" or Irrevocable Life Insurance Trust. This type of specialized trust is structured to hold life insurance policies on your life. This article discusses how an ILIT works and the estate tax planning advantages it offers. Learn more about the benefits of this type of trust and whether an ILIT is right for you.

Funding is Critical to Estate Planning

When Ted and Emily set up their Revocable Living Trust, they thought they were done. But when Ted passed away, Emily found out how wrong they were - the Trust they had created had not been funded. Some assets passed as joint tenancy, some by beneficiary designation and other assets had to go through probate. Learn how a properly funded trust could have avoided the distribution problems Emily encountered and achieved the results they had set out initially to accomplish.

Keeping Your Vacation Home in the Family

Vacation homes hold a special place in our hearts with fond memories of special times shared with family. However, most people do not realize that leaving the family's vacation home to their children without proper planning can be devastating to their ongoing relationships and can tear the family apart. This article discusses the estate planning options available to preserve family relationships and keep the vacation home in the family through the use of special shared use agreements and separate funds that will pay for any expenses.

When Harry Met Sally: A Lesson in Preventing Family Discord

Oftentimes, families can be torn apart when a disgruntled beneficiary challenges a Trust. This article looks at a blended family's Trust inheritance that was contested by one of the beneficiaries. The contest cost all the beneficiaries hundreds of thousands of dollars and ultimately severed their relationships. Learn how their loss, both emotionally and financially, might have been avoided if the Trust had included a No Contest clause.

Selecting an Estate Planning Attorney - Wisely

Your estate plan determines who will be entitled to your assets, how they can use them, and the protections which they and the assets you leave them may have from creditors, divorcing spouses, etc. This article discusses the importance of finding the right attorney to assist you in creating that plan and the downside to using an attorney who is not experienced in estate planning, even if they are a friend.

Top Reasons to Do Estate Planning--What are You Waiting For?

People have many different reasons to do estate planning. This article discusses the top 8 reasons which estate planning attorneys say motivate their clients to plan, which range from vacations to law changes. The bottom line is that people do estate planning in order to take care of their loved ones and to assure the legacy they envision. Don't wait until it is too late, create a plan today and ensure that when you pass away your loved ones will discover a coherent estate plan without the emotional and financial mess.

Dos and Don'ts of Managing an Inheritance

An inheritance is a bittersweet thing. Your loved one valued your relationship enough to leave you something to make your life better, you want to honor their memory and use the inheritance wisely. This article lists important "Dos" and "Dont's" to follow regarding the use of your inheritance. Also mentioned in this article are tips to consider if your inheritance is in an IRA. All too often inheritances are squandered on meaningless items, take some time to consider your options and make a difference with your inheritance.

Who Handles the Finances in Your Family?

Often a couple may divide up everyday chores. Dividing up the work can be a great way to ease the burdens of life. But, what would happen if the person responsible for money matters died or suffered an incapacitating event? This article reveals a list of 13 important questions you should ask to ensure your financial well-being. The list includes asking about bank accounts, life insurance, bills and estate planning. When illness, incapacity or death strike, it's important to know where things are and what to do. Make sure you know the answers and are prepared for whatever may come your way.

What Keeps a New Mom Up at Night Besides the Baby?

The birth of a new baby is a wondrous and joyous event. As a new mom you look forward to caring for your baby and watching your precious bundle of joy grow and develop from infancy to being a toddler, and then school-age to young adult. However, if something unexpected should happen to you, who would look after your child's physical and financial well being? This article reveals how you can provide a secure future for your new baby, with a comprehensive estate plan, should the unexpected happen.

When Father Time Catches Up With Our Parents

We all expect it to happen eventually. Our parents getting older. Not just older chronologically, but physically and mentally older as well. When these turn of events happen, there may also come a time when your parents will need more care than you can provide on your own. They may eventually need in-home care, or an assisted living facility, or even a nursing home. Are you prepared? In this article you will find out the steps you should take to secure your parents future, as well as your own. Also discussed is your ability to help them plan now for these eventual needs and help them prepare for this next stage in life when the time comes.

How to Avoid Estate Planning Minefields: You Don't Know What You Don't Know

Some things seem like they should be easy--and they are easy. However, the problem with some complex responsibilities is that they may seem simple on the surface, yet they may be very difficult in reality. This is equally true for estate planning. However, experts can spot the hidden problems which the ordinary person may not. This article looks at the problems one couple had when they opted to use do-it-yourself estate planning software instead of consulting with an attorney. There was a hidden minefield that caused everything the family had worked for to be lost to an ex-spouse. Something that could easily have been avoided had they consulted with an experienced estate planning attorney. Find out what some of the most common estate planning minefields are and how you can avoid them.

Preserving Grandma's Legacy

You find your grandma's estate planning documents when you're helping her organize her attic. The documents were dated two decades ago, just before grandpa died. After grandma dies, the assets will have to be split among her three kids. However, since the estate plan was drafted, the family's circumstances have changed considerably and things aren't quite that simple anymore. Leaving her assets outright to her 3 children would mean that their inheritance would be lost to creditors and medical expenses. This article discusses the importance of having an up-to-date estate plan to preserve your legacy and family history as well as having a conversation with family members about their own planning.

Planning After a Breakup

Nobody plans to break up. But as John Steinbeck said, "even the best laid plans of mice and men often go awry." For those going through a divorce this article includes a ten-point estate planning checklist to help you untangle the legal and financial web between you and your ex-spouse. Divorce can be scary. Just when a person is at their most vulnerable, they have so many new things to think about. A qualified estate planning attorney can help you move forward constructively toward a new future.

Preserving Your Independence

As we get older, it often seems that time accelerates. Where does all the time go? Aging is a normal part of life. Unfortunately, as we age later in life we are no longer as able-bodied as when we were younger. What would happen if your health took a turn for the worst? This article discusses planning for the future using a Medicaid Income Only Trust. This type of trust can help preserve your financial independence, but there are certain guidelines that must be followed. Plan to protect your independence, see a qualified estate planning and elder law attorney today and discuss your options.

Family Feud - Don't Let This Be Your Legacy

Few things are as heart-wrenching as a dispute among family members. Problems in an estate or trust can often cause deep divisions in a family, divisions that outside forces might never have been able to cause. This article discusses five easy steps you can take to avoid disputes over your estate and ensure harmony continues long after your death.

Living Trusts Enhance Privacy Protection

One of our primal fears is the fear of not having privacy and the protections which privacy provides. Today, anyone can find a great deal of information about you by doing simple online searches. This article discusses the privacy advantages of having a Revocable Living Trust, there are more than you may know. A qualified estate planning attorney can help you create a trust to protect your privacy and provide peace of mind both during life and after your death.

Pet Planning - Not Just for the Rich and Eccentric

When people think of someone setting up a Trust for their pet, they might imagine Leona Helmsley's pet Maltese named Trouble drinking Perrier from a crystal bowl in a lavish Manhattan penthouse. However, you don't have to be rich and eccentric to set up a Pet Trust to care for their beloved pet(s). Pet Trusts are most commonly set up by caring individuals who just want to make sure that their non-human family member is taken care of in the event of their own death or disability. This article discusses the 3 easy steps necessary to set up a Pet Trust for your furry and feathered family members. Remember, without you planning for them in advance, they may face the same awful fate that awaits so many other orphaned pets. You will sleep better knowing that they will continue purring or wagging their tail even if you're no longer able to care for them.

A New Tax and Retirement Opportunity in 2010

We all know the importance of saving for retirement. However, those earning above $100,000 have had one retirement saving opportunity denied to them: the Roth IRA. If you fall into this category, you are now in luck! Beginning in 2010, there is no income limitation for converting from a traditional IRA to a Roth IRA. There are two methods to get money into a Roth IRA: Contributing money to the Roth IRA or converting a regular IRA to a Roth IRA. The rules are different depending on which method is used. In this article, you will learn how a Roth IRA works and the advantages you may gain if you convert. A Roth IRA can be a great way to save for retirement. But remember, these and other valuable assets in your estate are governed by beneficiary designations. A qualified estate and retirement planning attorney, who focuses their practice in that area, can help tailor an estate plan that coordinates the beneficiary designations and can help you decide whether switching to a Roth IRA is right for you.

When a Loved One Passes

A death in the family can be especially traumatic and it is easy to overlook important items. It is often helpful to have a checklist with the various steps that need to be completed, so that in the panic and grief of the moment, nothing is forgotten. In this article you will find a short list of important action items and tips to help guide you when there has been a loss in the family. Keep this list handy so that you will not forget any major items. Don't go through this alone, a qualified estate planning attorney can help guide you through the often-difficult process after the death of someone close to you.

When Time Is Short

Thinking about the end of a loved one's life is always tough to do. But what if you learned your mother only had one year to live, what would you do? After discussing treatment options, hospice, and her health care management, it may be wise to talk with your mom about setting an appointment with her estate planning attorney. Chances are her current estate plan isn't up-to-date, or worse does not exist. This article reviews a number of issues that should be discussed with her estate planning attorney to ensure your mothers' wishes are taken care of and her assets protected. This will help alleviate concerns and let your mom focus on making the most of her last days with her loving family.

What Do Estate Planning and Shoes have in Common?

Surprisingly, estate planning and shoes share many similarities. However, selecting and implementing an estate plan is a bit more complex than choosing a pair of shoes. This article discusses the many similarities between shoes and estate planning, while providing a list and explanation of the various important components in a complete and integrated estate plan

Estate Planning: It's Not Just About the Documents

An estate plan passes your assets to whom you want and in the manner you want after your death. However, some of your assets may not be controlled by your Will or Living Trust. This article discusses the various problems that can result when a thorough review of assets and ownership titles doesnt happen and how working with an experienced estate planning attorney can ensure that you avoid any planning pitfalls.

Your Team is on Your Side

Estate Planning is like a team sport. Your team should be made of qualified professionals, which you have selected. This article examines your team members and describes the role they should play in achieving your goals. Working with your team, you will be able to build a game plan to get you to the finish line.

Real Security

During these unsettling times everyone is searching for ways to feel more secure. This article provides details on how different components of a complete estate plan can provide real security for you and your loved ones, while building a solid foundation that can bring peace of mind during these unsettling times and in the future.

New Year Brings Resolutions... and More

The coming of the New Year presents an opportunity to reflect on the past year, and reorganize our priorities and goals. One important resolution is protecting our assets and our families through estate planning. The process to achieve this goal is discussed in this article.

A Loan May Be Taxing

This article examines important tax issues that may be overlooked when lending money to family members. Issues regarding gift taxes and income taxes are addressed and a possible solution using proper planning through an Irrevocable Trust is discussed.

Vacation Properties Take Planning

Just as taking a vacation takes some planning, vacation homes take some special consideration in an estate plan. There are several factors to consider, such as the possibility of ancillary probate, the use of the vacation home by beneficiaries, and the value of the home in your estate. The article reviews the use of both a revocable living trust and a special irrevocable trust, for those with a taxable estate, to create an effective estate plan that includes the vacation home.

Powers of Attorney - May Not Be Enough

This article examines the limitations of using a power of attorney to delegate decision-making authority to someone else. It explores the solutions available through the use of a living trust by nominating someone as successor trustee.

A Trust Can Help Protect You from a Financial Crisis

This article examines how a trust can help expand the protection on your financial accounts, including those at banks, savings and loans, credit unions, and brokerages.

Everyone Needs a Periodic Checkup

This article examines how legal and life changes may make it a good idea to consult with your estate planning attorney to ensure that your estate plan continues to achieve your financial and estate planning goals.

Split Things Fairly - Not Exactly

This article examines the difficulty of giving an asset that makes up the bulk of the estate to one beneficiary, while treating the other beneficiaries fairly.

The Silver Lining in Tough Economic Times

This article examines the current difficult economic times and how one estate planning strategy works better now than in better economic times.

Unique Planning for Unique Families

The article examines how Legacy Wealth Planning can be used effectively with a blended family.

Grandma and Grandpa--You're the Best!

The article examines ways to give to grandchildren, both during life and after you are gone.

What's in a Word?

The article examines how George Carlin's comedy shows that the use of words can be important. The article looks at why that is also true in estate planning.

Same-Sex Marriage Confusion

This article examines the impact of Californias landmark decision to allow same-sex marriages for both state and out-of-state residents. It clarifies the impact that this decision has on out-of-state residents and what responsibilities other states have of recognizing same-sex marriages performed in California.

Joint Tenancy - Joint Problems

Joint tenancy avoids probate and seems like a simple solution. Howver, adding a joint tenant adds all sorts of unforeseen problems.

The Top 10 Things to Know About Estate Planning

Many people are often confused by Estate Planning. Here is a list of the top things to know about Estate Planning.

The Prime of Life

This article recites the tragic story of Heath Ledger and how he omitted his daughter from his Will.

Preparing for the Unthinkable

This article recites statistics regarding unexpected tragedies in the United States including heart attack, stroke, and auto accidents. It calls on the reader to establish a Legacy Wealth Plan to be prepared.

Death and Tragedy

The article looks at the tragedy of family disputes and how to avoid them.

A Plan by Design or by Telephone?

The article looks at the game of "Telephone" and how transmitting your legacy in this manner is likely to result in error.

Charitable Giving and the Holiday Spirit

The article examines various aspects of gifting such as the annual exclusion of $12,000 per person, as well as various charitable strategies.

The Passing of a Loved One

The article examines the seven elements which may be included in an estate plan: Health Care Power of Attorney, HIPAA Power, General Durable Power of Attorney, Revocable Living Trust, Pour Over Will, Funeral Trust, and Legacy Plan.

Protecting Your Children from Our Litigious Society

How can you protect your children and their inheritance from litigation? This article explains how some innovative trust, the Family Sentry Trust and the Family Access Trust can help.

Special Needs Trusts and Autism

Autism is on the rise. You want to leave assets to your child without jeopardizing the availability of public benefits. A Special Needs Trust can help. This article explains how.

Legacy Planning: A Holistic Approach

This article looks at the latest developments in estate planning: "Legacy Planning." Legacy Planning focuses on the values and guidance to be relayed to future generations, not just wealth. The article discusses The Family Wealth Trust and its two subtrusts, the Family Access Trust and the Family Sentry Trust and how they can protect the beneficiaries from divorce and creditors.

What's Important in Your Life?

This article looks at what's important in life: family, friends, and values. The article looks at tragedies in our lives and how we always come back to what's important in life. The article then transitions to a discussion of Legacy Planning. The article discusses the Family Wealth Trust, the Family Access Trust, and how they may be used as part of Legacy Planning to protect the children after you are gone.

What's the Worst That Can Happen?

We often think that estate planning only deals with our assets at our death. This article debunks that myth and shows how a lack of planning can have negative consequences even during your life and not just on your assets.

What's Probate and Should I Care?

The article examines what probate is and why it is best avoided, and how. The article also examines the holistic concept of "legacy planning."

Planning for Unforeseen Circumstances

The article examines the importance of drafting flexibility into your estate plan to adjust for changes in values, circumstances, and interests.

Do You Know Who Your Beneficiaries Are?

The article looks at several types of items that pass outside a Will or Trust. In particular, it examines retirement beneficiary designations and new rules by Vanguard Group which might have disastrous results for the unaware.

Protect Your Children Now and in the Future

The article examines how you can use a Family Access Trust or a Family Sentry Trust to protect the inheritance you will leave to your children.

Putting Your Legal Life Back Together After Divorce

Divorce is common today. This article examines how to put your legal affairs back in order after a divorce.

Three Myths Women Have About Estate Planning

This article looks at several myths women have about estate planning. It includes some statistics that show why estate planning has more impact on women.

Decisions, Decisions, Decisions...

This article looks at the factors people consider when making estate planning decisions.

Strategies for Business Succession Planning

The article looks at methods for business succession, including using life insurance to provide liquidity and family limited partnerships for discounting.

To My Dog, Lucky, I Leave $10,000

The article examines the use of "pet trusts" and a few examples of how pets were provided for in the past.

What are the Odds

This article examines the need to plan for the unexpected. It gives statistics for the odds of disability and of death from various likely and unlikely causes. It shows the importance to plan for the one certainty in life, i.e., death.

Gifting to Children

This article examines gifting strategies for transfers in trust to minors. Specifically, it looks at Crummey trusts and 2503(c) trusts and the advantages and disadvantages of each.

Protecting Your Children from Their Nightmares... and Yours

The article examines statistics regarding divorce in America and how to protect your children from divorce. It examines setting up a divorce protection trust for them as well as using a marital trust for second marriages for your own assets.

Help for Our Armed Forces

he article examines the taxation of combat pay. Specifically, combat pay is tax-free. Also, it looks at new legislation that allows combat pay, otherwise not in income, to be considered as income for IRA eligibility.

Waiting to Roth: Hidden Loophole for High-income Earners

The article explains a few different types of retirement plans and then looks at a loophole for high-income earners to make contributions to a non-deductible IRA now and then convert it to a Roth IRA in 2010, when income limits for such conversion are lifted.

Learn from Anna Nicole's Mistakes

The article examines Anna Nicole's Will and that she did not update it upon major changes in her life: death of a son, birth of a daughter, commitment ceremony to Howard K. Stern. It suggests that the reader learn from these mistakes and be sure to update their plan periodically.

The Choice Is Yours: Don't Lose Your Chance to Make It

The article examines two cases: Terri Schiavo and Sarah Scantlin. Neither expressed their end of life decisions. Terri had her feeding tube removed after 15 years. Sarah awoke from her coma after 20 years. The article calls the reader to express their own desires in a Living Will.

Your 401k or IRA: A Problem Asset?

The article looks at IRAs and 401ks and how we need to save for retirement. Then it looks at the tax problems these plans create. It examines the stretch out available with the FRPT. It also examines using distributions to fund life insurance.

Is a Power of Appointment the Same as a Power of Attorney?

The article examines a few legal terms that can be confused, like Power of Attorney, Attorney in Fact, and Power of Appointment. The article examines the terms and specifically, how Powers of Appointment can add flexibility to a plan.

What Happens in My Initial Estate Planning Consultation?

This article describes what happens in the initial estate planning consultation, including the questions asked, the discussion of goals, etc. The article also references a CNNfn segment that talked about the importance of stringent continuing education requirements, like those of the American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys.

Estate Planning is Simple....Right?

This article examines clients' preconception that estate planning is simple and that it's just simple word processing. The article examines situations in which the estate planner's experience and technical knowledge comes into play.

How to Leave a Mess to Your Heirs

This article examines several common mistakes that create a mess for heirs: Lifetime Transactions without counsel (such as adding people on title to realty), Failure to Plan, and Failure to Communicate. The article poses the problem and then offers a solution to each.

Your Most Important Choice

The article discusses the importance of selecting appropriate agents and guardians. It specifically examines the different roles and focuses on guardians. It looks at a case in which the guardian nominated was not chosen by the court.

To Roth or Not to Roth, That is the Question

The article examines the Roth IRA and recent developments that have expanded the concept, such as the Roth 401(k) and the ability to convert from a regular IRA in 2010.

Anna Nicole Smith Can Teach Us a Few Things

The article examines the life of Anna Nicole Smith, her marriage, and the will dispute controversy. It encourages readers to be open about their wishes to family members and instructs on the use of a no contest clause.

New Flexibilities for Partners, Children, and Others

The article examines the new "non-spousal rollover" provisions of the Pension Protection Act of 2006.

Do it the Right Way

This article examines the life of tobacco heiress Doris Duke and a couple mistakes she made in planning her estate.

A New Way to Give

This article examines new opportunities for charitable giving directly from an IRA.

Keep Your Cake - And Eat It, Too!

This article examines the Medicaid Income Only Trust. It gives an example of two women who are roomates in a facility: One who contributed to a trust and one who did not.

Celebrity Estate Planning

The article examines interesting provisions of the wills of many famous people. It explains how this information is public and that if you use a trust you can keep your affairs private.

Smart People Do Estate Planning

The article examines the statistics of who does estate planning. It shows that people who are more educated are more likely to do estate planning. It recites reasons that you want to plan. Basically, the article is a call to action to the reader to take control of his or her life by planning.

Planning With Retirement Assets

The article looks at retirement planning and looks at a few strategies such as ROTH conversion, paying the tax, giving to charity, etc.

Estate Planning: No Tattoo Necessary!

The article looks at how to make sure your final wishes are accomplished. It looks at the case of a woman who tatooed "do not resuscitate" across her chest. It deals primarily with health care powers / living wills, but also touches on trusts.

My Attorney Does Not Practice Law Anymore: Now What?

The article instructs the reader what to do when their attorney does not practice anymore. It suggests finding a new attorney right away. It stresses finding someone with whom they feel comfortable and who gets lots of Continuing Legal Education.

Preserving the Ranch for the Next Generation

The article examines a typical ranch family, the problems they face, and solutions. It touches on problems of joint tenancy, incapacity, and succession. It offers an RLT, a second to die ILIT, and a buy-sell as solutions.

Dealing with Aging Parents

The article examines how the parents took care of the kids and how the kids then take care of the parents. It looks at the need to plan in advance for wealthy parents (estate tax reduction), not so wealthy parents (Medicaid planning), and any parents (powers of attorney, etc.).

How Do Millionaires Do It?

The article examines the five different types of millionaires and what makes them tick. It asserts that planning is at the core for all of them and that estate planning is necessary to avoid problems down the road.

Could Deficit Reduction Take Your Life Savings?

This article discusses how long-term care costs can be a major financial drain. It looks at how the changes in Medicaid law could make it much more difficult to plan. It stresses the need for pre-planning. It briefly looks at Income Only trusts as a potential planning option.

Medicaid Changes Make Pre-Planning Essential

This article discusses how long-term care costs can be a major financial drain. It examines Medicaid as a possible way to pay for long-term care. It looks at how the changes in Medicaid law could make it much more difficult to plan. It stresses the need for pre-planning.

Preparing for Health Needs

The article looks at the financial and legal ways to plan for illness. As part of the financial portion, the article examines the use of Health Savings Accounts. As part of the legal portion, it examines the use of health care powers of attorney and health care directives.

Privacy in Life and Death

The article examines many ways in which privacy can be obtained including: using donor advised funds to keep the name of the charity private, RLT to keep things private at death, and the do not call registry and decedent do not contact registry to avoid nuisance calls.

I Just Inherited Money! Now What Do I Do?

This article examines what a beneficiary should consider when they find out they are receiving an inheritance. It touches on basis step-up, disclaimer, non-inclusion in income, etc.

Planning: Just Do It!

This article looks at what happens if no planning is done. It looks at the problems of probate if no trust is done and of intestacy if no will is done.

Protecting Your Assets

This provides an overview of asset protection strategies.

As Time Draws Near

This provides an overview of planning strategies when someone is approaching death.

Handling Matters After the Death of a Loved One: Just Do It

The article examines the need to administer an estate or trust in a timely manner. It looks at several pitfalls resulting from inaction after someone's death, including not filing tax returns, not notifying creditors, etc.

10 Tips in Planning for Taxes

The article examines several strategies for minimizing income taxation, through timing of expenses and income, etc. It includes items to consider at year-end.

Insurance: A Major Estate Planning Tool

he article looks at various types of insurance from life insurance to homeowner's insurance. It explains how minimizing risk is part of estate planning.

Preserve Your Wealth with Medicare Part D

The article provides a basic overview of Medicare Part D and why it is important from an estate planning perspective.

When Disaster Strikes

This article examines how tragedies can strike in any of our lives but how planning can lessen the impact. Estate planning can let you rest easier and make sure others have the legal right to help you when you need it.

Want a Nude Funeral? Have it Your Way

he article tells the story of a Midwestern nudist who wanted to be buried in the nude but was not. It examines what people can do to ensure their burial wishes are carried out.

Is Estate Planning for Me?

This article examines various reasons people think estate planning is not for them, such as they aren't married or don't have money. It explains why they need estate planning.

New State, New Estate Plan?

This article examines how moving from state to state may impact an estate plan.

The Power of Flexibility

Life is an interesting ride. Who would have expected it to turn out the way it has? Thirty years ago, as we walked to our local library, who would have thought that we could have more information available at our fingertips online than would fit in any library? Who would have guessed that these high school dropouts would have been so successful: Julie Andrews (actress / singer), Louis Armstrong (jazz musician), Kevin Bacon (actor), Lucille Ball (comedienne), Irving Berlin (composer), Tom Cruise (actor), Thomas Edison (inventor), Nicole Kidman (actress), Ray Kroc (McDonalds founder), Keanu Reeves (actor), Vincent van Gogh (painter), and George Washington (first American president).

Estate Planning is Life Planning

It seems like there is always some discussion in Congress about changing the estate tax. There even have been proposals to eliminate the tax permanently. If Congress ever eliminates the tax, does this mean that there will no longer be a need for estate planning? No, it does not.

Should I Leave Everything to My Spouse?

The article examines the tension between leaving assets outright to a spouse and leaving them in trust. It discusses creditor and divorce protection. The article also discusses allowing the surviving spouse to appoint the assets in the trust.

You May Be Worth More Than You Think

The article examines the Millionaire Next Door and their characteristics. It recites statistics about millionaires and their increasing numbers in the United States. It finds that one characteristic of millionaires is that they plan. The article discusses the need to do estate planning.

Could Your Hospital Kill You?

The article examines the case of a Florida man whose hospital went to court to enforce his living will. His wife / health care agent wanted him kept alive. The court allowed the hospital to disconnect the man, causing his death. The article examines the importance of establishing whether the Living Will or health care agent should have the last word.

Advantages for Unmarried Couples

There are many advantages for married couples. However, there are a few ways that unmarried couples can take advantage of the system. The article examines two such ways, one simple (harvesting losses by selling a loss asset to the other partner) and one complex (a Grantor Retained Income Trust which is not allowed for related parties).

Let Your Voice Be Heard

The article examines the case of Terri Schiavo and how a clear expression of her wishes could have avoided problems.

Open Communication Avoids Disputes

The article examines the need for clear and open communication with beneficiaries and fiduciaries. Study cites statistics indicating a higher incidence of disputes when beneficiaries are kept in the dark.

Remarriage: Treat New Spouse Like Royalty

Examines use of income trust in remarriage situations. Analogizes to royal trust in Duchy of Cornwall.

Charitable Bequests: You Better Review Them

This article examines the importance of periodic trust review and uses an example of charitable bequests and cy pres.

The Problems of Giving Everything Away

This article examines a case of a woman who titles everything in the name of the children. It examines why joint title and giving everything away may not be the best course of action.

How to Handle a Windfall

This article examines the financial and estate planning steps for clients to take when they come into a financial windfall.

Relax: Everything's Handled

Tells the story of a couple that is going on a second honeymoon and is worry-free because they did their estate planning.

Why is My Trust so Long?

Examines why a trust document must be long in order to be clear. Gives examples of issues requiring clarification.

What to Do after a Loved One Dies

Clients often have uncertainty regarding the process after death. The article looks at the typical roles, such as trustee and executor, and explains their duties. The article directs the reader to contact an estate planning / administration attorney. The article mentions a couple post-mortem steps such as gathering assets and cautions against retitling assets or making distributions until talking with the attorney.

Preserving Harmony with Blended Families

Second marriages and blended families raise unique concerns. The article examines marital trusts and unitrusts as a way to take care of both spouse and children and preserve family harmony.

Win a FREE Estate Plan!

Trust mills mislead seniors and bilk them out of their retirement. The article compares practices of trust mills and those of legitimate, quality estate planning attorneys, and how to tell the difference.

Complete Asset List is Essential

A complete list of assets is necessary for financial planning and estate planning. Such a list also helps in the event of a loss.

Honest Discussion About Funerals

Pre-planned funerals may be the best way to go. It reduces friction and makes sure things happen the way you want. Further, it provides Medicaid planning opportunities.

Domestic Partnerships: First, Know the Facts

Domestic partnerships vary dramatically. Examines differences and federal tax issues.

Your Grandkids Could Retire as Millionaires

You can set up an irrevocable trust for grandkids and with relatively small contributions make them millionaires by retirement.

Want Privacy? Use a Trust

Wills without trusts are open to public scrutiny. The article examines why the client may not want this public scrutiny. Further, the article looks at 8 provisions in famous people's wills which all are a matter of public record.

Asset Protection Planning in Litigious Times

In our ever increasingly litigious society it is essential to protect yourself from potential creditors. The article examines asset protection techniques in maintaining insurance to the use of asset protection trust.

SuperBowl Champ's Final Pass Incomplete

This article examines the life and death of Jack Kent Cooke and his $1.3 billion estate. It tells the tale of his expensive, drawn out probate and what could have been done to achieve a better result.

Study Shows Most Americans Unprepared

This article examines the percentage of Americans with various basic estate planning documents and explains each document.

Planning Important as Time Draws Near

This article concerns death bed planning. It gives examples including annual exclusion gifting, income tax basis issues, and general review of estate plan.

Common Mistakes in Estate Planning

People make many mistakes in estate planning. Several examples of mistakes are given, including procrastination, failure to update, improper fiduciary choices, leaving assets outright, etc.

Home Sweet Home

This article looks at the various tax and asset protection aspects of a home, such as gain exclusion, bankruptcy exemption, QPRTs, etc.

Medicaid Planning: There's a Right Way and a Wrong Way

You can plan for Medicaid the wrong way (through fraud) or the right way. GWA gives true fraud story and a brief Medicaid qualification overview.

Leaving a Legacy

If you want to leave a legacy, consider a dynasty trust to gain tax advantages and creditor protection.

Do I Need to Plan If I Have Joint Tenancy Property?

We all have the friends or family that think they are the armchair experts on everything. They want to walk on your back when you are in agony. They told you Enron was a hot stock to buy. And, they tell you that all you need is to hold assets in joint tenancy.

Planning for the Unthinkable

None of us wants to contemplate that we might become ill or incapacitated. But illness or disability can strike us without warning. Illnesses, injury, and tragedies occur to countless Americans each day. Some are caused by completely unexpected events, like the collapse of a bridge or a house fire. Others are caused by the ravages of time which remind us of our own mortality. While these events may be unavoidable, the impact can be lessened somewhat if we take steps now to plan ahead.

My Child is 18, Now What?

It seems like just yesterday your son or daughter was a toddler and you were beaming with pride as they took their first wobbly steps. You have been there for them as they had their first day of school. You were there when they skinned their knee sliding into first base in little league. You helped them learn how to ride a bicycle and watched as they teetered down the driveway, hoping they would not fall (or crash into your car that you had forgotten to move to the safety of the garage). You were there as they grew faster than you ever thought possible. Soon they were driving, as evidenced by a few extra gray hairs on your head. Now, they are reaching adulthood, their 18th birthday.

Gay Marriage - An Estate Planning Perspective

There are many ways in which rights of same-sex couples differ from those of heterosexual couples. Perhaps top of this list is that heterosexual couples can legally marry in every state and that marriage is legally recognized in every state and by the federal government.

Save Taxes and Money, Too

Americans are always looking for new ways to save taxes. Beginning in 2004, there is another way to save taxes when you save money-Health Savings Accounts ("HSAs"). With an HSA, you can save for medical emergencies on a tax-free basis.

The Best Laid Plans

Robert Burns, the famous 18th century Scottish poet, wrote "the best laid plans of mice and men often go awry." This statement holds true in most areas of life, including estate planning.

Trusts Can Help Protect from Bank Failure

If you walk into almost any savings institution in the United States, you see a little seal on the door that says "Member FDIC." The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation ("FDIC") was founded in 1933 as a response to the run on banks in the Great Depression. It provides each person with up to $100,000 of insurance for funds in that bank. That sounds simple enough. And, for individuals, it is.

Your Ex-spouse May Get Most of Your Assets

Divorce is relatively commonplace nowadays. According to the National Center for Health Statistics, there were 957,200 divorces in the United States in 2000. That means that more than 1.9 million Americans get divorced each year. According to the United States Census Bureau, approximately one-half of all marriages now end in divorce.

Too Much of a Good Thing

While each of us has different ideas about what we want to happen after our death, there is more that connects us than separates us. As President John F. Kennedy said, "Our most basic common link is that. . . . [w]e all cherish our children's future. And we are all mortal."

Planning for Adoption

Adoption can be a magical time for both the adoptive parents and the adopted child. Hope has been transformed to anticipation and, finally, to the joyful realization of dreams.

Health Care Directives Make a Difference

We have all been sick before. Whether it is from the flu or from a more chronic ailment, we have all experienced, to some degree, the feeling of vulnerability illness brings. While we cannot always avoid illness, we can mitigate the vulnerability by expressing wishes ahead of time.

Five Reasons To Plan Your Estate Now

We can all come up with reasons to procrastinate and avoid doing what we should. However, there are many reasons to avoid procrastination when it comes to estate planning. Here are five of them:

Family Torn Apart by Simple Oversight

On December 3, 1963, Mary and Robert Schindler gave birth to a wonderful baby girl, Theresa Marie. Terri grew up in Pennsylvania and had a typical childhood playing with her brother and sister and the family pets. As a teenager, she loved music and did artistic sketches. In November 1984, just shy of her twenty-first birthday, Terri married Michael Schiavo. Terri seemed to have everything going for her. At age twenty-nine, Terri was living in Florida with her husband and had a job she liked.

Irrevocable Trusts Need Not Be Scary

Irrevocable trusts are used frequently in estate planning for a wide variety of purposes. Irrevocable trusts can be used to make a completed gift of assets, while restricting access to the assets or retaining indirect control. Irrevocable trusts can be used in order to help protect assets from creditors of the trust beneficiaries. Such trusts even can be used as part of planning to qualify for Medicaid benefits.

Same Sex Planning More Important Than Ever

Recently there have been expansions of rights of gay couples. However, these expansions underscore the patchwork nature of greater gay rights and the continued necessity of careful planning for same sex couples.

To Roth, or Not to Roth: That is the Question for Estate Planning

A few years ago Congress enacted a new type of retirement savings plan, a "Roth" IRA, named after the Senator sponsoring the legislation. With a traditional IRA or 401k plan, contributions are tax deductible, earnings are tax deferred, and withdrawals are fully taxable. With a Roth IRA, contributions are not tax deductible, but earnings and withdrawals are not taxable. From an estate planning perspective, this creates a huge advantage for a Roth IRA.

Grandparents as Parents: Planning is Critical

Grandparents fill a special role in the life of any grandchild. However, some grandparents raise their grandchildren and are the primary caregiver for them.

Planning for the Unthinkable

None of us wants to contemplate that we might become ill or incapacitated. But illness or disability can strike us without warning. Illnesses, injuries, and tragedies occur to countless Americans each day. Some are caused by completely unexpected events, like the collapse of a bridge or a house fire. Others are caused by the ravages of time which remind us of our own mortality. While these events may be unavoidable, the impact can be lessened somewhat if we take steps now to plan ahead.

Estate Planning: Not Just For the Rich

Do you think estate planning is just for the rich? Think again. Few Americans are super wealthy. You do not have to be a billionaire to make Forbes Magazines list of the 400 Richest People in America. $600 million puts you on the list, like Aubrey Chernick. While Aubrey has $600 million, he is otherwise like many of the rest of us. Hes middle-aged (54), married, and has three children.

New Privacy Regulations: How to Protect Yourself

The federal government often passes legislation that is designed to protect us. However, all too often, that legislation can have unintended consequences. Recent federal laws and regulations have created new privacy protections for medical information. The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act and regulations to implement it, known as "HIPAA," recently came into effect. Now all "covered entities" must comply with strict rules or face fines and potential criminal penalties. "Covered entities" include your physicians and hospitals. Penalties for mistakes run from a $100 fine for an innocent error up to a $250,000 fine and 10 years in prison for malicious misconduct.

How to Lend a Hand and Save Taxes

Lately it seems like natural disasters are daily occurrences. While reading the newspaper over breakfast, we learn of a wildfire in Arizona. While driving to work, we hear of a drought in Africa and an epidemic in Southeast Asia. A hurricane in North Carolina, a flood in Missouri, a tornado in Oklahoma, an earthquake in California - we feel empathetic for the victims, but often feel powerless to help. We are too far to fill sandbags and are not close enough to the victims to lend a helping hand or a shoulder to cry on.

In Estate Planning, Caveat Emptor

When we think of Estate Planning, most of us think of the kindly attorney consoling family members at the reading of the Will. We think of the family lawyer who is there to counsel us through illness and family discord. An attorney who focuses his or her practice on estate planning applies the knowledge of the complex laws to the situation at hand. Such an attorney explains the law to the client and is a trusted advisor and counselor. This area of the law is one of the most challenging as it requires knowledge of real property law, family law, business entities, income taxation, estate taxation, gift taxation, state and local taxation, Medicaid reimbursement, and other topics. Few areas require a practitioner to have such depth and breadth of knowledge as well as counseling skills second to none. Attorneys focusing in estate planning study long and hard in honing their skills and keeping abreast of changes in the law.

Five Common Estate Planning Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Estate planning is a complex weave of legal and personal objectives. Issues of taxation, family law, and business entities combine with the most personal of family concerns. Attorneys that focus on estate planning face this challenge and have experience in meeting their clients needs in planning to achieve personal and financial objectives. Here are some common mistakes made by attorneys that do not focus their practices in estate planning.

Katharine Hepburn's Private Life and Public Death

Katharine Hepburn was a legend of stage and screen whose career spanned several decades. Hepburn's best-known films included (1933), The Philadelphia Story (1940), (1951), (1967), and (1981). She and her films were a reflection of American society, from early innocence to the stresses of the civil rights movement to issues on aging. Katharine Hepburn, a private and independent woman, forged a path for gender equality and in so doing became a role model for millions of Americans.

It Can Happen to the Best of Us

We all think our families can get along, when it really matters. We think that family frictions will fade into the background and we can pull together. However, sometimes family frictions erupt at the death of a parent or grandparent and can result in challenges to the estate plan. This can even happen to the best of us.

Plan Now or Pay Later

Krispy Kreme and Wal-Mart have a lot in common. Die-hard fans line up in front of their locked doors the night before grand openings, licking their lips for a puffed up glazed doughnut or a bargain that can set the neighbors talking over the fences. But what do these two incredibly successful businesses and the families that started them have that sets them apart?

Privacy Protections: Don't Be Overprotected

Recent federal laws and regulations have created new privacy protections for your medical information. These laws are known as "HIPAA" (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act). Now physicians, hospitals, health insurers, and other "covered entities" must comply with strict rules or face fines and potential criminal penalties. An innocent mistake would incur a fine of $100. More serious breaches of privacy, such as releasing information for malicious harm, could result in fines of up to $250,000 and 10 years in prison. Understandably, health care providers are being extremely careful about the release of medical information in the face of such penalties.

Joint Tenancy: Simple But Problematic

With joint tenancy, two or more individuals hold title together. At the death of a joint tenant, the property automatically re-vests in the remaining joint tenants. Many people think they can avoid seeing a lawyer to do estate planning by titling all of their assets in joint tenancy, thus avoiding probate. This is a simple solution, but it invites many problems.

Are You Competent to Do Estate Planning?

Americans today are living longer and longer. However, this can be a double-edged sword. An increasing number of Americans are living long enough to suffer from mental incapacity. Over 4 million Americans suffer from Alzheimers Disease alone. In fact, according to the National Institute on Aging, half of those over age 85 have Alzheimers Disease. Of course, Alzheimers is only one cause for mental incapacity.

Do-it-yourself Estate Planning: You Get What You Pay For

Self-help books are an ever-increasing segment of the American publishing market. There are books and software on everything from gardening to health care. There are even books and software out there that purport to allow an individual to draft his or her own estate planning documents. Some of these items are promoted by media personalities and others by purported experts

The Basics of Basis

Most of us have heard the term "basis" before but are not really sure what it means. While it has a meaning in common parlance, it also has a technical meaning for tax purposes. "Basis" is the benchmark from which the taxation of property is determined upon disposition. If you sell the asset for more than your basis, you have a taxable gain. Conversely, if you sell an asset for less than your basis, typically you have a tax loss.

Should You Be A Resident of Your State?

We have all thought about faraway lands and the path not taken. As we grow older, many of us are fortunate enough to have a second home in which we spend much of our time. Perhaps it is a place to escape the blistering heat of summer or winters icy grip. Perhaps it is a place near children or grandchildren.

Community Property Makes a Difference

In estate planning, the nature of the property involved can make a significant difference in determining the best way to plan for its ultimate disposition.

When Parent and Child Reverse Roles

When we start off in life, our parents provide love and nurturing, as well as the necessities of daily life. As time passes, we grow into adulthood. Our relationship with our parents becomes one of equals, with each providing love and nurturing for the other, while both are self-sufficient. Often, parents reach a stage in their lives when they are no longer self-sufficient, typically due to advanced age or illness.

Choosing a Trustee: Relationships Matter

There are many factors that must be considered when selecting someone to serve as your trustee. Of course, the persons age, maturity, responsibility, and financial acumen are all important. However, clients and advisors often overlook that relationships matter, too.

Planning in a Down Economy

A poor economy puts a different spin on planning. It is likely many of your assets have decreased in value. Interest rates are low. The size of your overall estate may be less than it once was. All of these factors should be considered as you evaluate or re-evaluate planning options.

Give Undue Influence Due Consideration

It is natural for people who have a close relationship to want to benefit each other. However, sometimes, people can try to use a close relationship to try to take advantage of the other, more vulnerable person.

Safeguarding Originals Is Critical

In this electronic age of copy machines, fax machines, and scanners we often lose sight of the distinction between an original document and one that has been copied, faxed, or scanned. However, at times, especially in estate planning, there is no substitute for an original

Sometimes It's Better to "Just Say No"

When we receive an inheritance, few of us consider that there may be a choice to consider. We are still mourning the passing of someone dear to us when we learn about the inheritance. We just try to continue our daily lives, numb from our emotional loss. The estate or trust administration continues and eventually we receive our inheritance, either outright or in a trust for our benefit.

Get an Estate Plan - Not an Estate Scam

Estate planning is an important part of life. In fact, it is central to who we are as people. In planning for our future, we must analyze who we are, what our goals are, and whom we wish to help in this world. It makes us aware of our own mortality, but also the impact we can make in the world. A qualified estate planning attorney can help you with this important and intimate process — accomplishing your goals in the best, most tax efficient manner.

Estate Planning Is Life Planning

What is the first thing that leaps to most peoples minds when they think about estate planning? A will. Weve all seen the dramatic scenes in films of yesteryear: the reading of the will. The truth of the matter is that the will is no longer the focal point of estate planning.

Basic Planning for Unexpected Tragedy

None of us ever expects tragedy. Some of us plan in case it strikes us. But we never really expect it to happen to us. But, on February 25, 1990, tragedy struck Terri Schiavo and her family. At 26, Terri was a woman in the prime of her life enjoying a beautiful day in Florida. However, on that fateful day Terris heart inexplicably stopped beating. She became comatose and unable to communicate.

After the Fact: Easing the Financial Burden After A Spouse's Death

A Living Trust can be a great way to fulfill your estate planning goals, including minimizing taxes on that estate. But sometimes, an unexpected death can occur before a Living Trust is established. Or, sometimes after a spouse has died, it is discovered that he or she did not properly fund a living trust.

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Anderson, Dorn & Rader, Ltd, Lawyers Bradley B Anderson, Gerald Dorn (Jerry Dorn) and Bryce L. Rader are AV Rated by Lexis Nexus Martindale Hubbel, Listed in Bar Registry of Pre-eminent Lawyers Estate Planning Attorneys and Counselors at Law, Legacy and Wealth Planning Attorneys located in RENO , Nevada and serves business owners, individuals and families throughout the area, including Reno, Sparks, Northern Nevada, Eastern Sierra Nevada, Tahoe Basin, Lake Tahoe, Truckee, Truckee Meadows, South Lake Tahoe, Carson Valley, Carson City, Minden, Gardnerville, Dayton, Fallon, Fernley, Elko, Topaz, Incline Village, Tahoe City, Squaw Valley, Loyalton, Sierraville, Lovelock, Tahoe, Western Nevada, the Sierras, Spanish Springs, Washoe County, Pershing County, Humbolt County, Battle Mountain, Elko County, White Pine County, Lincoln County, Storey County Eureka, Esmeralda County, Churchill County, Nye County, Mineral County, Lyon County, Douglas County, Storey County, Wendover, Walker, Crystal Bay, Kings Beach, Carnelian Bay, Homewood Tahoma, Somersett, Winnemucca, Verdi, Washoe Valley, Pleasant Valley, Rural Nevada, Mason Valley, Pyramid, Smith Valley, Genoa, Silver Springs, Virginia City, Virgnia City Highlands, Portola, Red Rock, Hawthorne, Austin, Ely, Palomino Valley, Silver Knolls, Zephyr Cove, Highway 395 South Corridor