Seems like the subject of estate taxes becomes part of every politician’s election promises, and today’s election environment is no different. Even though we are not really expecting significant changes in that area, estate taxes have changed dramatically, and some folks may still be uncertain about how those changes relate to them.
Read More »Don’t Let a Perfect Storm Ruin Your Plans for the Family Farm
In February of 1959, rock and roll musicians Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and J.P. “The Big Bopper” Richardson were killed when a plane Holly chartered at the last minute crashed near Clear Lake, Iowa. The event later became known as “the day the music died.” Richardson had the flu and talked Waylon Jennings into giving […]
Read More »Former NBA Star Could have Future Ex-Wife Making Medical Decisions
Lamar Odom and Khloe Kardashian may appear to be split on reality TV, but on paper, their divorce is not final. That could leave the former NBA player’s estranged wife with the role of making medical decisions for him. Odom, who has an address in Henderson, and Kardashian both signed off on their divorce in […]
Read More »Money and Estate Planning Issues for Unmarried Couples
Whether a couple is married or unmarried, there are invariably many money issues for them to consider – and some valuable financial moves to make. Here are some tips for those in the not-married camp. A bad way to manage your joint and separate finances is to just wing it. Do so, and one or […]
Read More »Leaving Your Tattoos Behind
If you want to make many people say “Ewww” and leave your tattoos behind permanently after you pass away, a new service will let you do that. Many people spend a lot of time and money on their tattoos. To them, it is a form of expression and art.
Read More »Can a Lawyer Profit From an Unethical Will He Drafted?
A recent appellate court decision in Michigan means that it is possible for attorneys to be unethical and still profit from the wills they create. Every state has a basic ethical rule for attorneys: an attorney cannot draft a will for a non-relative that includes a substantial gift for the attorney. The theory behind this […]
Read More »Children of Spanish Duchess Sue for Inheritance
It is well-known that the Duchess of Medina Sidonia did not get along with her children. That family feud led to her attempting to see that the children did not receive the family archives and legacy. The children are now suing to get it. Luisa Isabel Álvarez de Toledo could trace her heritage back […]
Read More »Making Charitable Contributions Work
While you’re alive and have philanthropic goals, give appreciated assets held in a taxable account to charity. For charitable bequests, designate your IRA or tax-deferred employer retirement plan. Why? Suppose a hypothetical Al Cole wants to give $10,000 to charity this year.
Read More »What to Do to Reduce Estate Taxes
If you plan on leaving a sizable amount of money to your heirs, it’s understandable to be concerned about estate taxes. After all, the top Federal estate tax rate of 40% could take a nasty bite out of a multi-million dollar estate, and that’s not including any state taxes that may apply. With that in […]
Read More »Special Needs Trust Fairness Act Passes in Senate
People with special needs have won an important victory in the Senate where the Special Needs Trust Fairness Act passed unanimously. However, the fight is not over. For people with disabilities, special needs trusts are often a vital way to protect assets and ensure that they have the resources needed to meet their expenses. […]
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