How to Protect and Pass On Artwork, Antiques, and Other Valuable Assets
Some assets—such as real property, stocks and savings—are fairly straightforward when it comes to bequeathal to heirs; other assets—such as valuable artwork or antiques—are not so easy. How do you will an asset to a loved one when there is no deed of ownership? And just as importantly, how do these paperless assets figure into […]
Read more New Portability Provision Should be Considered with Caution
A new “Portability Provision” in The Tax Relief, Unemployment Insurance Reauthorization, and Jobs Creation Act of 2010 has some couples excited about the financial possibilities. As explained in this article in the Wall Street Journal, the new portability provision “permits surviving spouses to elect to use the unused portion of the estate tax applicable exclusion […]
Read more New Criteria for Alzheimer’s Can Lead to Early Diagnosis, Better Treatment and Planning
In our practice, we often encounter clients who have family and friends who suffer from Alzheimer’s Disease. This is a devastating illness which affects families all over the country; from the adult child who fears that her father’s recent forgetfulness might be a harbinger of something more sinister, to the elderly gentleman who wonders how […]
Read more 5 Missteps That Can Sabotage Your Estate Plan
My husband and I just came back from a lovely trip to Taiwan visiting family. I’ve posted some of the photo of our trip in the “What Does Kimberly Do Outside of the Office” section. Returning to work with a refreshed mind and body, I want to remind you that when it comes to protecting […]
Read more Understanding Your Last Will and Testament
Although recent news surrounding the estate tax—both its repeal and its reinstatement—has died down, many people are still talking about their estate plans. Most people recognize that now is the time to create their estate plan, or to review and update their existing plan if they have one. This means that many people are asking […]
Read more The Benefits (And Risks) of a Multi-Generational Household
Throughout history, the multi-generational household has always had its place in our society. At times the multi-generational family has been common and plentiful, at other times rare and seen only on the fringes of society. In the past few years, for reasons of both economy and practicality, the percentage of Americans living in multi-generational households […]
Read more Icon, Businesswoman, Philanthropist—What Happens Now to Elizabeth Taylor’s Fortune?
The recent passing of Elizabeth Taylor has many wondering what will now happen with Ms. Taylor’s sizeable fortune? According to this article in Forbes Ms. Taylor’s fortune includes not only the millions she made in the Hollywood movie industry, but the even greater amount made she made with her fragrance line. “In her most savvy […]
Read more New POLST Program Raises Awareness About End-Of-Life Decisions
A recent article in the Wall Street Journal shines the light on a new program being instituted by a growing number of states called “Physician-Orders for Life Sustaining Treatment,” or POLST. “A POLST, which is signed by both the patient and the doctor, spells out such choices as whether a patient wants to be on […]
Read more Tragedy in Japan Inspires Reflection: Are You Prepared for Disaster?
Only a few days ago the world was shocked by the terrible earthquake and tsunami in Japan. Our hearts and prayers go out the people affected by the tragedy, and many people are asking what they can do to help. The sudden violence of nature has many of us looking at our own situations as […]
Read more A Way to Help Parents and Grandparents in Financial Need
Estate planning is often about how people can pass wealth on to their children or grandchildren, but what if a child wants to give financial gifts to a parent or grandparent? This article from Bloomberg discusses just that: how GRATs Let Children Pass Millions to Mom or Granny Free of U.S. Gift Taxes. As the […]
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