Planning for the Unexpected
Taking the time to think about an estate plan is not something only for people who are getting older or who might be gravely ill, it is something everyone should ...
Trustee Responsibilities
A trustee is generally responsible for the management and distribution of trust assets. Trustees are responsible for making investment decisions regarding trust assets and making payments to the beneficiaries according ...
What are a Guardian’s Responsibilities?
A parent of minor children designates a person to care for his minor children in the event that some tragedy befalls her and perhaps her spouse as well. Generally a ...
Rescued Stray Cat Inherits 13 Million Dollars
A few weeks ago a rescued stray cat inherited 13 million dollars from her owner who died at age 94. The woman had rescued the cat years earlier and the ...
Tony Curtis Disinherited His Children
Actor Tony Curtis (father of actress Jamie Lee Curtis) died last year. Just four months before he passed away he had a will drafted which stated each of his four ...
Estate Details Go Public
We are all accustomed to getting information through the internet. We can research virtually anyone and anything in a matter of minutes online. On top of this easy access to ...
Sonny Bono Died Without a Will
Most people know the tragic story of Congressman Sonny Bono’s untimely death. Sonny died following a ski accident in which he hit a tree on January 5, 1998. Sonny died ...
Is Money Contributed to a 529 College Savings Plan Subject to the Gift Tax?
When we contribute money to a 529 College Savings plan for a friend or relative, we are giving them a gift. According to the current tax laws, we can give ...
Annual Gifts: Use it or Lose it
An individual can give up to $13,000.00 a year in cash or assets tax free to as many people as he chooses under the current gift tax laws. The annual ...
Who Needs a Trust?
Trusts are not only for people who own businesses, or significant real property and complicated stock portfolios. Trusts have many uses and can be a smart estate planning tool for ...