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Estate Planning

The Family Limited Partnership
A discussion of the family limited partnership as an estate planning tool. It offers a discounting appraisal feature as a method of tax reduction feature. A high amount of shares can be gifted and still qualify as gift tax-free and estate-tax property.
When Is It Time To Update Your Will?
A discussion of of the most common situations which would necessitate updating a will.
The Homestead Allowance
A discussion of an estate planning technique which protects the residence of the surviving spouse and minor children from creditor's claims.
Declaration Of Gift
When gifting assets to a trust, certain procedures must be followed. A Declaration Of Gift Form needs to be completed,and is signed by the donor, witnessed and notarized. A sample of this form is shown.
Insufficient Estate Planning
A discussion of the pitfalls and disadvantages of insufficient estata planning as they relate to real estate. Transferring real estate to a trust can help avoid ancillary probate.
Voting Trust
A look at the voting trust arrangement, including how to set one up, as well as when to consider using one.
The Charitable Trusts
A discussion of the more common types of charitable trusts. Apart from tax benefits, being charitably declined is one of the best bequests you can make.
How to transfer Assets To Your Trust-Part II
A discussion of the transfer process for real estate in a trust.
How to transfer Assets To Your Trust-Part 1
A look at the transfer of various types of assets into a trust.
The Importance Of Retirement Beneficiary Forms
A discussion of the importance of retirement beneficiary forms as they relate to estate planning.
Buy-Sell Agreements
A discussion of the buy-sell agreement as it applies to estate planning. This tool is generally used by closely held businesses to insure the liquidity and continuity of the company.
Financial Planning Techniques for the Orphaned Minor Child
A discussion of financial planning arrangements that can be made to benefit minor children in the event that they become orphaned.
Guardianship-The Care Of Minor Children
A discussion of Guardianship of Minor Children. Includes the selection process, and criteria most important for this responsibility.
Trust Distributions
A discussion of the timing of trust distributions. Mentioned are the single trust, the multiple trust, and the single pot trust.
Will Contests
A discussion of challenging, or contesting a will. The types of situations which could lead to a will contest are shown.
A Look At Life Insurance In Estate Planning
A look at life insurance, the most commonly used estate liquidity source. Also discussed are the various types of insurance policies which are commonly used.
Duties Of A Trustee
A look at the more common duties which a Trustee must follow when managing a trust.
The Sprinkling Provision of a Trust
A discussion of the sprinkling provision in trusts that can be used to assist beneficiaries.
Wealth Replacement Trusts
An introduction to Charitable Remainder Trust and Wealth Replacement Trusts.
Joint Ownership of Property
A discussion of the various types of joint property ownership, including joint tenancy with rights of survivorship, tenancy in common,tenancy by the entirety, and community property.
Trusts For Charities-The Charitable Remainder Trust
A look at the basics of the Charitable Remainder Trust, and its benefits in estate and tax planning.
Trusts For Charities
Giving assets to charity through the use of a Charitable Lead Trust. This discussion highlights the estate and gift tax planning pros and cons.
Charitable Bequests-Planned Gifts
A discussion of charitable bequests, or planned gifts, as they relate to estate planning.
Irrevocable Life Insurance Trust
A discussion of the Irrevocable Life Insurance Trust as it relates to estate planning for married couples.
State Death Taxes
A discussion of the inheritance tax, as applies to the state level.
Alternate Valuation Date
A discussion of the Alternate Valuation Date in estate planning. This is a planning tool which can be used to reduce the estate tax liability.
Totten Trust
A discussion on the Totten Trust and its use in estate planning. Advantages and disadvantages are cited in this type of arrangement, which is not really a formal 'trust'.
What is a Trust?
An introduction to the trust, describing its purpose, as well as the five components that each trust must contain.
Gifting to Children: Trusts for Minors
A discussion of the trusts available for gifting assets to minor children. The features of Section 2503(b), Section 2503(c), and Crummey Power Trusts are described.
When is a Trust not a Trust?…..when it is a Custodial Account
A discussion of Custodial Accounts, through the use of The Uniform Gifts to Minors Act (UGMA), and the Uniform Transfers to Minors Act (UTMA).
Legacies in Estate Planning
An introduction to legacies as the apply to estate planning. Discussed are the various types of legacies and the conditions under which they are given and received.
What Does This Word Mean?
A basic discussion and explanation of some of the more commonly used terms in wills concerning inheritances.
The Care Of The Incapacitated Adult- Part 4
This article discusses the basic features of The Special Needs Trust. It is primarily used to provide assets for an incapacitated individua's care yo supplement federal and state governmental benefits.
The Care of the Incapacitated Adult-Part 3
This third part of the series, introduces the durable power of attorney, describing its features, and the pros and cons.
The Care Of The Incapacitated Adult: Part 2
This is the second of a four part series on the care of an incapacitated adult. This section describes the revocable living trust, and some of its advantages and disadvanges.
The Care Of The Incapacitated Adult: Part 1
This article discusses requirements, powers, and limitations of the guardianship/conservatorship as it applies to lifetime planning.
Legal Rights of Children in Estate Planning
The legal rights of children as it applies to estate planning. Included are the rights of adopted, illegitimate, after-born, and omitted children.
Community Property
A discussion of community property as it applies to property ownership in marriage.
Using A Prenuptial Agreement In Estate Planning
An introduction to the pre-nuptial agreement, and it's use as an estate planning tool.
The Annual Gift Tax Exclusion
An introduction to the annual gift tax exclusion and it's use as an estate planning tool.
Identifying Your Goals
Identifying and Defining your Estate Planning goals
What is Probate?
An introduction to the probate process, what it includes, its advantages, disadvantages, and ways to avoid it.
Where There's A Will, There's Estate Planning
An introduction to the Will, as used in Estate Planning, including different types and forms of wills, requirements for setting up a will, the clauses in a will, updating and revoking a will.

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