We were closer to the nuclear war in the 1960’s than we ever imagined. My Dad was a very good business man, well traveled, a great story teller and one who got others to share their stories. One of the stories my Father had told to him was received from a group of gentlemen after... [Read More]
Category: Inheritance
North Korea, Kidnapping and Estate Planning
As North Korea declares a state of war on the United States and South Korea, and a leading news story shows by security camera a couple being kidnapped in broad daylight in Manhattan Sunday, we think about the “Worse Case Scenario”. We want to make sure that we have planned in advance in case we... [Read More]
What about heirlooms?
What about heirlooms? You can make specific provisions for family heirlooms and specialty items in your Estate Plan. Many times the family heirlooms or special personal items are considered the most important or emotionally valuable part of any Estate. In other words, your Grandfather’s watch that he wore every day may be more important to... [Read More]
Estate Planning is not really about taxes.
Estate Planning is really about the family and not about taxes. When I have asked my clients what their primary concerns are, their first answer is they want to protect themselves in the event of physical and mental disability and protect the surviving spouse in the event of physical or mental disability and in the... [Read More]
President Trying to Raise Taxes Again
I told you so! Most thought that the tax raises that went into effect in the American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012 would be the end of the raised taxes. The Republicans agreed to raise taxes without receiving any concessions in spending from the White House in negotiating over the American Taxpayer Relief Act of... [Read More]
Merry Christmas, Seasons Greetings & Happy New Year
We want to wish everyone a Merry Christmas, Seasons Greetings and a Happy New Year. My dad said that “The older you get, the faster time moves” and he was not kidding. 2012 has flown by. The year had many highs and lows and they’re will be much change in 2013. We’re thankful for all... [Read More]
What About the Election?
The outcome of the Presidential Election is unlikely to resolve the Tax Code in 2013. As most people know, the Bush Tax Cuts of 2001 are set to expire on January 1, 2013. It has been long anticipated that there would be a one year extension of those tax cuts. The Republicans in the House... [Read More]
Estate Planning for Blended Families Is an Adventure
Any time you are doing Estate Planning for Blended Families, it is always a balancing act. You have to balance the couple’s desire to take care of each other vs. their desire to take care of their children from their previous marriage. As usual, a Revocable Living Trust is the best foundational Estate Planning tool. ... [Read More]
Why Whitney Houston Shouldn’t Have Used a Will
Unfortunately, Whitney Houston used a Will based Estate Plan. Her “Last Will and Testament,” or Will, was admitted into Probate Court in Atlanta, Georgia. As guessed, Whitney’s 19 year old daughter is her sole beneficiary of the Will with payouts to her at ages 21, 25, and 30. Meanwhile, the Trustee would make payments on... [Read More]
Whitney Houston and Estate Planning – Part 3
As discussed before, right after we hear of the death of a celebrity, we ask, “How?”. Not long after, we ask, “How much money did they leave and to whom?”. Again, Whitney had traveled a troubled road of drug addiction and tough relationships. While alive, she had been separately sued at different times by her... [Read More]