Estate Planning is Only for the Rich. WRONG!
Some people think they have so few assets that they don’t need to do estate planning. In most cases they’re wrong. You may have more than you realize. Even individuals ...
Wills and Family Feuds – Avoid Reality TV Scenarios
When you do estate planning, you want to be sure that you get it right. It’s your best opportunity to insure that your assets are properly distributed among your beneficiaries ...
Avoiding Challenges to Your Will
We’ve all heard horror stories about families broken apart because of a poorly drafted will or the absence of one. But, it doesn’t have to be that way. A Last ...
You’re Divorced. Update Your Beneficiary Designation Forms!
As loved ones enter or leave your life, it’s important to update your beneficiary designation forms. This is particularly important when divorce occurs. The case of Estate of Kessinger vs. URL ...
I Can Write My Own Will — No Problem!
Most people understand the importance of having a will. If you’re lucky enough to have assets, you want to make sure that those assets go to the right people or institutions when ...
A Team Approach to Financial Security
A successful estate plan is built on the collaboration of several professions working together to ensure that your goals and wishes are properly implemented. Your team should include a CPA, ...
New York Holographic Wills Made by Military Personnel
A holographic will is one which is entirely written in the handwriting of the testator (the person making the will). A holographic does not have to meet all of the ...
New York State vs. Federal Tax Laws in Estate Planning
Every state has unique laws for estates which determine distribution and state taxes. The federal tax laws and state tax laws have in many areas different exemptions and requirements. Same ...
Estate Tax Philosophies of the 2012 Presidential Candidates
The current estate, gift and generation skipping transfer tax laws are set to expire at the end of 2012. The President and Congress will have to decide whether they extend ...
Politics and Estate Taxes
Estate Taxes Change with New White House Administration With each new administration in the White House and new Congress there are new tax laws and changed agendas. In 1937 whenAmerica’s ...