Decanting is the act of pouring assets from one trust into a different trust with more desirable terms. While a revocable trust can be amended freely while the grantor is alive, an irrevocable trust has more restrictions. To be sure, a trust protector would be the first line of defense when a problem arises. If...Read More

It is November and the kickoff to National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month!  According to the Alzheimer’s Association, roughly 5.7 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s Disease.  Every 65 seconds, someone develops this challenging disease.  Let’s take a look at some recent breakthroughs and news that offers hope to those diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, their families, and...Read More

Like so many concepts in the law, the word “fiduciary” has Latin roots; it means trust. This is particularly appropriate as the word trust is thought of as the confidence and reliability required in a person of great importance – as well as a legal vehicle to develop such relationships.Read More

 Helping clients plan for life’s unexpected events—whether it’s welcoming a new family member, coming into an inheritance, or dealing with an illness—is at the heart of what estate planners do. As we recognize October as Breast Cancer Awareness month, it’s a great opportunity to remind ourselves how we can continue to plan for the curve...Read More

Established by the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA) to help those with disabilities and their loved ones better understand special needs planning, October is National Special Needs Law Month!  Let’s celebrate by highlighting some news and trends in special needs care and planning.Read More

Trusts are technical legal instruments that require a keen eye and foresight on the part of the attorney drafting them. To avoid complications after setting up your trust, below are a few common mistakes to avoid when drafting trusts for minors.Read More

 As the federal estate tax exemption continues to rise – now at $5,450,000 per individual, double that for married couples – estate tax-oriented planning is relevant for fewer and fewer clients. As the legal industry shifts focus away from federal transfer tax, one of the new areas of concentration is planning for clients who are...Read More

 C corporations are often the best planning option for business entities. However, fears of the dreaded “double-taxation” may lead some to reject C corps without a closer look. But double taxation can be reduced, and in some cases avoided, making it an option worth considering. Attorneys seeking to maximize tax savings for their clients should...Read More

One of the primary goals for establishing an estate plan is to ensure that your assets ultimately transfer to your heirs and other intended parties. For individuals engaged in business or with sizable wealth, an asset protection plan could be essential in reaching that goal. A carefully crafted plan can help you preserve your tangible...Read More

The generation skipping trust tax (GSTT) trips up the plans of clients who wish to leave assets to their grandchildren. The GSTT is the IRS’s way of ensuring such gifts—as well as the grandparent’s estate—do not escape taxation.Read More