By Christine M. Allen, Esq. Trusts are powerful tools for individuals to manage and distribute their assets. Furthermore, they ensure their wishes are carried out after their passing. In addition, trusts ensure family members avoid the unnecessary costs and delays associated with probate. But what happens when an individual’s trust terms do not actually reflect…
Married couples typically share nearly every facet of their lives. However, even the most intimate partners may hesitate to broach certain subjects when discussing death. While discussions about burial arrangements and remarriage can be awkward, addressing them as integral components of crafting a thorough estate plan is essential. Estate planning is a profound gesture of…
As a business executive, you strategize and set goals for your professional endeavors. Have you taken the time to apply these skills to ensure the well-being of your family? If you still need to, our assistance is available to provide strategies for executives when estate planning. Protection from Lawsuits and Creditors Many executives enjoy protection…
Regrettably, family conflicts sometimes escalate beyond mere fleeting disagreements, leading to estrangement. Family estrangement refers to physical and emotional distancing among family. This separation often reaches a point where there is minimal or even no communication between family members for an extended time. For example, a parent may avoid contact with a child who has…
The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) is an independent federal agency insuring deposits in U.S. banks in case of bank failure. The Banking Act of 1933 established the agency to restore public confidence in banks. As of 2023, the FDIC insures deposits up to $250,000. Most trust funds have bank accounts insured by FDIC. However,…
Many of our hard-working clients want to pass on their wealth to family members. Nonetheless, individuals with a high net worth must consider potential gift and estate tax implications when gift giving. By creating a thorough estate plan, we can effectively tackle these worries. These trusts can help distribute assets in a tax-efficient manner. Grantor…
Many Americans pass away without a will, which is called dying intestate. In this circumstance, what they have left behind is distributed during intestate succession. Rather than decide who they want their assets to go to, the state decides. In most states, the decedent’s closest family members will receive what they left behind, which many…
When establishing a trust, choosing your successor trustee is one of the most crucial choices you will need to make. You can act as the trustee if your trust is a revocable living trust. However, you must name a successor trustee. The successor trustee will manage the trust on your behalf in the event of…