Many clients are planning to make large gifts before the end of 2012, to take advantage of what may be a fleeting opportunity to do so without incurring any gift tax. The Tax Relief, Unemployment Insurance Reauthorization and Job Creation Act of...
While federal law remains in flux on numerous fronts, there's been a flurry of state-level developments on a number of topics. Here's an overview of some key estate-planning issues that states were focused on as we went to press. Same-Sex...
As financial advisors, attorneys, CPAs and estate planning practitioners, we know that the keys to a successful financial future are setting goals and planning. In fact, our businesses depend on guiding individuals and families to help them create...
As clients, attorneys and advisors were just getting comfortable with the beneficiary defective inheritor's trust (BDIT), certain practitioners have attempted to extend its use and structure. Many of these attempted extensions, referred to in...
Since 1892, the Uniform Law Commission (ULC) has provided states with non-partisan, well-conceived and well-drafted legislation. The ULC is working on a number of issues affecting estate-planning practitioners. Here's a round-up of some of...
Sooner or later, we, as estate-planning professionals, are exposed to the frustration of clients or beneficiaries who ignore our advice and act in a manner that's financially self-destructive. Often, this situation arises in the fiduciary context...
The typical participants in an estate-planning team include the attorney, certified public accountant (CPA), insurance consultant and wealth manager. The optimal approach is a team effort that coordinates all advisors. But many families need more...
