Category: Estate Planning

Should You have an Irrevocable Trust?

Should You have an Irrevocable Trust?

You may have heard the terms “revocable trusts” and “irrevocable trusts.” Both are created to hold assets for different purposes. Which is right for you? Should you have an irrevocable trust? The differences are explained in a recent article from Kiplinger, “With Irrevocable Trusts, It’s All About Who Has Control.”

Both types of trusts are separate legal entities created through contracts. They name a trustee who is in charge of the trust and its assets. The trustee is a fiduciary, having a legal obligation to manage the assets in the trust for the beneficiaries. Depending on how the trust is structured, these are the people who will receive assets or income generated by the assets in the trust.

With the revocable trust, the grantor—the person who creates the trust—can be a trustee and maintain total control of the trust. They can change the terms of the trust, beneficiaries, and successor trustees at any time. In exchange for this level of control, however, come some downsides. The revocable trust doesn’t have the same level of protection as an irrevocable trust while the grantor is living.

The irrevocable trust trades control for benefits. The grantor of an irrevocable trust can’t change the trust once it’s been created, nor can they move assets in and out of the trust at will. Beneficiaries may not be changed either. However, when the irrevocable trust is properly created with an experienced estate planning attorney, they achieve many estate and tax goals.

Your estate planning attorney will be able to explain which irrevocable trust suits your situation, as there are many different kinds.

An irrevocable trust where the grantor is also the beneficiary is referred to as a Domestic Asset Protection Trust or DAPT. The grantor is allowed to be the beneficiary of the trust, but it has to be created in one of the 20 jurisdictions where the grantor is allowed to be the beneficiary. You can have a trust created in a jurisdiction other than your own.

The first step is to determine how to fund an irrevocable trust, where assets are transferred into the trust. There are fine points here. For instance, you can’t fund an irrevocable trust if there are issues with the IRS or the threat of litigation from a creditor. If the dispute goes to court, a judge can set aside the transfers into the trust as they were made with the intent to circumvent a creditor’s claim under fraudulent transfer laws.

If a trust seems like the right planning structure for your assets, discuss with your estate planning attorney if you should have an irrevocable trust. Decisions about naming trustees, successor trustees, beneficiaries, and funding sources should be discussed with an experienced estate planning attorney first. Creating irrevocable trusts, like much of estate planning, needs to be completed before issues arise. If you would like to learn more about different types of trusts, please visit our previous posts. 

Reference: Kiplinger (April 28, 2024) “With Irrevocable Trusts, It’s All About Who Has Control”

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Essential Legal Documents Graduating Seniors Need

Essential Legal Documents Graduating Seniors Need

As new legal adults transition from high school to college or the workforce, they must understand the significance of having essential legal documents in place. There are some essential legal documents graduating seniors need. These documents can protect their interests and ensure their wishes are respected, especially in unexpected situations.

Many young adults think estate planning is only for older people, but it’s crucial for everyone. Once young adults turn 18, they are legal adults, and parents or guardians no longer have authority over their health or financial accounts or information. Accidents and illnesses can happen at any age, and having the right documents can make a big difference.

There are five essential legal documents that every young adult should have:

  • Healthcare Proxy: This document allows a trusted person to make medical decisions on your behalf if you can’t communicate your wishes. Choosing a reliable and nearby person is important for making quick decisions if needed.
  • HIPAA Authorization: This gives certain people access to your medical records. Without it, your loved ones might not be able to get the information they need to help you in a medical emergency.
  • Durable Financial Power of Attorney: This lets someone manage your finances if you cannot do so yourself. It can help ensure your bills are paid, and your finances are handled properly if you’re incapacitated.
  • Living Will: This outlines your medical treatment and end-of-life care preferences. It helps your family know your wishes regarding life support and other critical decisions.
  • Preneed Guardian Designation: This appoints someone to care for you or your dependents if you cannot do so. For young parents, it ensures that their children are cared for without waiting for court appointments.

Consider the story shared by the Financial Planning Association about a young adult who was in a car accident. Despite being healthy and active, the accident left them unable to make decisions.

However, they had a healthcare proxy and a durable financial power of attorney. This enabled their family to step in and make medical and financial decisions on their behalf. Good estate planning can make hard times a little more manageable, even for young and healthy people.

Without these essential documents, your family might face delays in managing your affairs. Courts could appoint someone to make decisions for you. While this may work out, there’s no guarantee a court-appointed agent’s views would align with your wishes. Being unprepared can make difficult times even more stressful and challenging.

Creating these documents is easier than you might think. Here are some steps to get started:

  • Talk to Your Parents or Guardians: Discuss your plans and get their input on who your healthcare proxy or financial power of attorney should be.
  • Consult an Attorney: Seek advice from an estate planning attorney who can draft these documents to ensure they meet legal requirements and accurately reflect your wishes.
  • Store Documents Safely: Keep your documents in a safe place, and make sure that your designated proxies know where to find them.
  • Review Regularly: Life changes might require updates to your documents. Events such as moving to a new state, getting married, or having a child should prompt you to revisit your documents.

If you’re a young adult or a parent of one, now is the time to start thinking about these essential legal documents graduating seniors need. If you would like to learn more about planning for young adults, please visit our previous posts.  

Reference: Financial Planning Association (Oct. 2023) “Essential Estate Planning for Young Adults”

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The Estate of The Union Season 3|Episode 7

The Estate of The Union Season 3|Episode 6 is out now!

The Estate of The Union Season 3|Episode 6 is out now! When struck with an unexpected illness, many families must travel to get the quality of care required to treat their ailment, but cannot afford the expenses of temporarily living in a new city. That’s where Ronald McDonald House Charities steps in.

Ronald McDonald House Charities serves as a beacon of hope for families facing unimaginable challenges. Their mission, deeply rooted in compassion and community, resonates strongly in Central Texas and beyond. Through their tireless efforts, they provide vital support to families with critically ill or injured children, ensuring they have a home away from home during their time of need.

In our upcoming episode, we delve into the profound impact of Ronald McDonald House Charities on the local Central Texas community. Zachary B. Wiewel had the privilege of speaking with Derrick Lesnau, outgoing Chief Operating Officer, who graciously shared his insights into the organization’s mission and the invaluable services they provide.

 

 

In each episode of The Estate of The Union podcast, host and lawyer Brad Wiewel will give valuable insights into the confusing world of estate planning, making an often daunting subject easier to understand. It is Estate Planning Made Simple! The Estate of The Union Season 3|Episode 6 is out now! The episode can be found on Spotify, Apple podcasts, or anywhere you get your podcasts. If you would prefer to watch the video version, please visit our YouTube page. Please click on the links to listen to or watch the new installment of The Estate of The Union podcast. We hope you enjoy it.

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Texas Trust Law focuses its practice exclusively in the area of wills, probate, estate planning, asset protection, and special needs planning. Brad Wiewel is Board Certified in Estate Planning and Probate Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. We provide estate planning services, asset protection planning, business planning, and retirement exit strategies.

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Owning a Second Home creates Unique Tax Implications

Owning a Second Home creates Unique Tax Implications

Many people dream of owning a cabin or a sunny beach house away from their homes. While these dreams are beautiful, buying a second home isn’t as simple as picking a new getaway. Your second home can increase your tax burden more than your first. Owning a second home creates unique tax implications to keep in mind. According to Central Trust, understanding the strings attached to a second home is a must.

If you already own one home, purchasing a second means doubling up on property tax bills. Your deductions for state and local taxes are also capped at $10,000. State taxes on your primary home often reach that limit on their own. As a result, a second home may increase your tax liability much more than you’d expect. While you can deduct mortgage payments on your second home, it’s limited to a combined total of $750,000 for both residences.

There are tax benefits if you plan to rent and limit personal use to 14 days or 10% of rental days. Doing so allows you to deduct utilities, maintenance and improvement costs as you would for any other rental property. However, be careful – renting to relatives at market rate still counts as personal use.

When selling your primary residence, you can usually exclude a portion of the gains from taxes. However, this isn’t the case with a second home. Your vacation house is taxed as an investment property, which means capital gains can go up to 23.8%.

However, there’s a way to avoid paying capital gains tax on your second home. You may avoid capital gains tax if you live in it as your primary residence for at least two of the five years before you sell. Considering the average home price in America today, a lower tax rate can amount to impressive savings.

On the other hand, lost rental revenue or an increased cost of living could detract from these savings. Weigh the costs and benefits before choosing your tax management strategy.

Maintaining solid records is crucial if you’re renting out a second home. If the IRS audits your return and you can’t provide evidence, you could face extra taxes and penalties. Keep receipts, bills and documents detailing any expenses related to the property. If you plan to avoid capital gains tax by living in the home, keep proof of your residence and travel during the time in question.

The thrill of buying a second home should not overshadow the importance of thorough estate planning. Consult a tax professional or financial advisor to avoid costly mistakes.

Key Takeaways:

  • Double the Taxes: Owning a second home brings a second set of property tax and mortgage interest bills.
  • Rental Benefits: Renting out your vacation home could offer tax deductions.
  • Capital Gains Tax: Selling a second home could subject you to up to 23.8% capital gains tax. Living there for two of five years before selling can help avoid this.
  • Record Keeping is Essential: Proper documentation of expenses and rental income is crucial to avoid penalties in case of an IRS audit.
  • Consult an Advisor: Seek guidance from tax or estate planning professionals to create a sound plan and minimize tax implications.

Owning a second home creates unique tax implications that can cause a headache for your estate planning. Discuss the topics in this post with your estate planning attorney before you purchase that dream second home. If you would like to learn more about tax planning for real property, please visit our previous posts.

Reference: Centraltrust (March 2024) “Second Homes & Tax Implications – Central Trust Company”

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Managing a Big Age Gap in Estate Planning

Managing a Big Age Gap in Estate Planning

Even if it was never an issue in the past, managing a big age gap in your estate planning can present challenges. When one partner is ten or more years younger than the other, assets need to last longer, and the impact of poor planning or mistakes can be far more complex. The article in Barron’s “Big Age Gap With Your Spouse? What You Need to Know” explains several vital issues.

Examine healthcare coverage and income needs. Health insurance can become a significant issue, especially if one partner is old enough for Medicare and the other does not yet qualify. How will the couple ensure health insurance if the older partner retires and the younger depends on the older partner for healthcare? The younger partner must buy independent healthcare coverage, which can be a budget-buster.

Be strategic about Social Security. Experts advise having the older spouse delay taking Social Security benefits if they are the higher-income partner. If the older spouse passes, the younger spouse can get the bigger of the two Social Security benefits. Delaying benefits means the benefits will be higher.

Planning for RMDs—Required Minimum Distributions. Roth conversions may be a great option for couples with a significant age gap. Large traditional tax-deferred individual IRAs come with large RMDs. When one spouse dies, the surviving spouse is taxed as a single person, which means they’ll hit high tax brackets sooner. However, if the couple converted their IRAs to Roths, the surviving spouse could withdraw without taxes.

Estate planning becomes trickier with a significant age gap, especially if the spouses have been married before. Provisions in their estate plan need to be made for both the surviving spouse and children from prior marriages. An estate planning attorney should be consulted to discuss how trusts can protect the surviving spouse, so no one is disinherited. Beneficiary accounts also need to be checked for beneficiary designations.

Couples with a significant age gap need to address their own mortality. A younger partner who is financially dependent on an older partner needs to be involved in estate and finance planning, so they know what assets and debts exist. Life has a way of throwing curve balls, so both partners need to be prepared for incapacity and death.

Managing a big age gap in your estate planning really requires careful and consistent review of your planning. Plans should be reviewed more often than for couples in the same generation. A lot can happen in six months, especially if one or both partners have health issues. If you would like to learn more about estate planning issues for older couples, please visit our previous posts. 

Reference: Barron’s (May 19, 2024) “Big Age Gap With Your Spouse? What You Need to Know.”

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Diverse Family Structures Have Unique Estate Planning Challenges

Diverse Family Structures Have Unique Estate Planning Challenges

American family law has traditionally focused on the nuclear family. However, Forbes reports that only 18% of American adults now fit this model. There are many new types of families today, such as blended families, single-parent households and LGBTQ+ families. Dated legal definitions of family could be a hurdle in your estate planning. Diverse family structures have unique estate planning challenges. However, it’s a hurdle you can overcome with knowledge and legal guidance.

Most legal protections and rights cater to the assumption that a family is a married couple with blood children. This alone creates obstacles for many families, even those that look traditional. Many heterosexual couples have children but haven’t yet married. This can deprive them of various rights and may exclude partners from inheritance.

Blended families with stepchildren also frequently struggle with inheritance. If the parents fail to lay out the rights of the children, it can go to a lengthy probate process. Likewise, the children of single parents face a uniquely uncertain future should their parents die unexpectedly. Another diverse family type that frequently struggles with family law is LGBTQ+ families. The rights of same-sex couples vary widely by state, which makes estate planning especially important for them.

These diverse families and more can find themselves underserved by laws that don’t have them in mind. However, that doesn’t mean that their wishes must go un-respected. There are many estate planning tools available that can help people clarify and execute their wishes once they’re gone.

Advanced estate planning techniques can give anyone greater control of their estate.  Everyone with a significant estate or minor children should have an estate plan. However, diverse families need to use these tools to safeguard their wishes.

  • Wills: A well-drafted will is Step One. It makes it far easier to ensure that your assets go to your inheritors as you wish.
  • Trusts: Trusts offer greater control over asset distribution while avoiding will-related pitfalls. Living trusts can be adjusted during one’s lifetime, while irrevocable trusts protect assets but are permanent.
  • Powers of attorney: Financial and healthcare powers of attorney let a trusted person decide if the primary individual is incapacitated.
  • Testamentary guardianship: Single-parent, blended families and same-sex couples should appoint guardians for minor children in their wills.
  • Beneficiary Designations: Designate the beneficiaries for life insurance, retirement and investment accounts. This ensures that the executor of your will transfers assets according to your wishes.

The evolving definition of family challenges conventional estate planning. Unmarried couples, blended families and other non-traditional arrangements often need tailored estate plans. However, untangling estate law on your own isn’t easy.

Diverse family structures have unique estate planning challenges. Schedule a consultation with an estate planning attorney, who will address local laws and your unique family structure, to craft a comprehensive estate plan. If you would like to learn more about planning for blended families, please visit our previous posts.

Reference: Forbes (April 2, 2024) How Expanding The Legal Definition Of Family Helps Us All

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Charitable Remainder Trusts may be Solution to Stretch IRA loss

Charitable Remainder Trusts may be Solution to Stretch IRA loss

For many years, the Stretch IRA was used to leave assets to heirs very tax-efficiently. Then came the SECURE Act, according to the article “Charitable Remainder Trust: The Stretch IRA Alternative” from Kiplinger. The ability for IRA beneficiaries to take the smallest of RMDs (Required Minimum Distributions) annually and leave a large sum in the IRA to grow tax-deferred over their lifetimes was over. Charitable Remainder Trusts may be solution to the loss of the Stretch IRA.

The SECURE Act in 2019 brought significant changes, taking away a valuable tool from anyone who died after Dec. 31, 2019. The new rules require the entire amount in an inherited IRA to be withdrawn by the end of the tenth year of the original account owner’s death. These withdrawals are taxable, so instead of stretching the withdrawal out over an extended period, accounts must be emptied, and taxes paid within a relatively short period. Compared to the stretch, the Ten-Year Rule is, in a word, taxing. It’s crucial to understand these changes and their implications.

There are exceptions to the rule for certain beneficiaries, including spouses and disabled individuals, non-spouse beneficiaries no more than ten years younger than the original account owner and a biological or adopted minor until they reach age 21. On their 21st birthday, they have ten years to empty the account.

There are alternative strategies for IRA owners to consider to help heirs enjoy more of their legacy, which an experienced estate planning attorney will know. One is the Charitable Remainder Trust (CRT), which offers both tax benefits and charitable giving.

Start by designating a CRT as the beneficiary of your IRA. When you die, the assets will pass to the CRT. Since the CRT is a tax-exempt entity, the assets in the IRA continue to grow tax deferred. The CRT’s beneficiaries receive income distributions over a specified period. At the end of the CRT, any remaining funds go to a charitable beneficiary.

CRT beneficiaries may receive distributions over a much longer period than a direct inheritance or inherited IRA, which has a mandated 10-year distribution.

If you are seeking a solution to the loss of your Stretch IRA, a Charitable Remainder Trust may be a solution. The CRT strategy is best for charitably minded people who would have donated to the charity regardless of the IRA restrictions. If this aligns with your values, it makes sense from an estate planning perspective. There are costs associated with setting up a CRT, which should be considered when considering the totality of your estate plan. Speak with your estate planning attorney to see if this makes sense for you and your family. If you would like to learn more about CRTs, please visit our previous posts. 

Reference: Kiplinger (April 19, 2024) “Charitable Remainder Trust: The Stretch IRA Alternative”

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Understanding Your Options and Responsibilities when Inheriting a House

Understanding Your Options and Responsibilities when Inheriting a House

Understanding your options and responsibilities is critical when inheriting a house, whether you sell it, keep it, or rent it out. Insights from LendingTree show you how to make the most of your inheritance. Inheriting a house can be a life-changing event with emotional and financial implications.

When inheriting a house, you don’t immediately receive the title in your name. The inheritance process involves probate, where a judge reviews the will and appoints an executor to carry out the deceased’s will. The executor handles responsibilities like insurance, identifying debts or liens and paying utilities. They also distribute belongings and manage property taxes. This ensures that the estate’s assets settle any outstanding debts before you receive ownership.

When you’re in line to inherit a home, there are five steps you should take immediately.

  1. Communicate with the Executor: Establish a clear line of communication with the executor. This will help you learn the necessary information and simplify the transfer process.
  2. Coordinate with Co-Heirs: Work with the others if you are one of several heirs. Avoid costly disputes by deciding whether to sell, keep, or rent the property.
  3. Get an Appraisal: An appraisal calculates the property’s value. This informs your decision to keep, sell, or rent the home while informing you of tax liabilities.
  4. Evaluate Debts: Identify any liens or debts tied to the property and compare them against the house’s value. Understand the financial implications and incorporate that into your decision.
  5. Seek Professional Advice: Consult estate planning attorneys, accountants and financial advisors. These professionals can clarify ownership-related problems, such as debt obligations and inheritance taxes.

Moving into the inherited house can provide a new residence or vacation home. However, this option can be costly due to mortgages, taxes, repairs and insurance. Renting out the property can provide passive income, while keeping it in the family. Buy out other heirs or work with them to share costs and rental income. Selling the house is a straightforward way to obtain immediate cash. The proceeds can help pay off debts tied to the house, and the remaining proceeds will go to the heirs.

If debts and taxes are associated with the house, that doesn’t mean you need to sell. There are many ways to finance the home and keep your inheritance.

  • Mortgage Assumption: Take over the existing mortgage if its terms are better than what you’d get with a new loan. The lender must approve the assumption.
  • New Purchase or Refinance Mortgage: You can obtain a new mortgage or refinance to put the house in your name. This option is particularly useful when the property has a reverse mortgage.Prop
  • Cash-Out Refinance: Refinance the mortgage with a cash-out option to tap into the home’s equity to cover expenses, like buying out heirs or making repairs.
  • Investment Property Loan: Mortgage an investment property if you plan to rent the house.

Key Takeaways:

  • Inheriting a House: The probate court oversees the inheritance process, and the executor handles legal and financial responsibilities.
  • Options: Move in, rent out, or sell the property based on financial goals and agreements with co-heirs.
  • Financing: Explore mortgage assumptions, new or refinanced mortgages and other financing options.

Understanding your options and responsibilities when inheriting a house requires legal, financial and practical knowledge. Consult with an experienced estate planning attorney as soon as you can. If you would like to learn more about inheriting property, please visit our previous posts. 

Reference: LendingTree (Nov. 16, 2021) “Inheriting a House? Here’s What to Expect”

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Understanding the differences between ABLE Account and Special Needs Trust

Understanding the differences between ABLE Account and Special Needs Trust

Planning for the financial future of a loved one with special needs is crucial. Two essential tools in special needs planning are ABLE accounts and Special Needs Trusts (SNTs). Understanding the differences between an ABLE Account and Special Needs Trust will help you make the right choice.

An Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) account is a valuable tool for people with disabilities. As Special Needs Answers reports, they can use it to save up to $18,000 annually starting in 2024. Unlike other accounts, this doesn’t deprive people of means-tested benefits.

ABLE account holders can save up to $100,000 tax-free and spend the funds on disability-related expenses. This covers assistive technology, transportation, education and even leisure activities. Account administration occurs at the state level, and eligibility is set to expand. While anyone disabled before age 26 qualifies now, the threshold will increase to 46 in 2026.

Likewise, individuals can open and manage their ABLE accounts. This provides much more financial independence than a Special Needs Trust (SNT).

A Special Needs Trust (SNT) is a legal document that provisions funds for disabled loved ones. Like the ABLE account, these funds don’t impact eligibility for Medicaid or SSI. An SNT can pay for items that government benefits don’t cover, including therapy, medical care, recreation and travel.

However, there are some limits. Without affecting benefits, SNTs generally can’t be used for essentials, like food and shelter. A Special Needs Trust also can’t cover cash payments or gift cards. Unlike an ABLE account, a trustee manages the SNT. This trustee works with special needs planners to maximize the trust’s value.

One of the main differences between ABLE accounts and Special Needs Trusts is their contribution limits. ABLE accounts are capped at $18,000 annually, with a total savings limit of $100,000. SNTs have no set contribution or savings limits but have tighter controls.

An individual manages their ABLE account. In comparison, a trustee manages an SNT in the name of a disabled individual.

Another critical difference is eligibility of the disabled person. For now, ABLE accounts are only available to people who became disabled before age 26. This is in contrast to SNTs, which have no age restrictions. An SNT is ideal for long-term asset management, while ABLE accounts offer flexibility.

Consult with an elder law attorney to have a full understanding of the differences between an ABLE Account and a Special Needs Trust. Choosing between the two depends on your family’s goals and needs. If you’re looking for a quick, easy, flexible way to save for a loved one’s disability-related expenses, an ABLE account might be ideal. However, a Special Needs Trust is better for long-term planning with no savings limits.

Key Takeaways:

  • ABLE Account: Offers flexibility and direct control for disabled individuals, with a $100,000 savings limit.
  • Special Needs Trust: Offers greater flexibility and long-term security but requires a trustee for oversight.
  • Planning is a Must: An ABLE Account or SNT may better fit your situation. Either way, you should begin planning sooner rather than later to protect your loved one.
  • Plan Ahead: Work with an estate planning attorney to decide which tool is best for your family.

If you would like to learn more about special needs planning, please visit our previous posts.

References: Special Needs Answers (Nov. 13, 2023) “ABLE Accounts in 2024: Save Up to $18,000 Annually”

Special Needs Answers (February 12, 2019) “What Can a Special Needs Trust Pay For?”

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Updating Beneficiaries after Gray Divorce

Updating Beneficiaries after Gray Divorce

Navigating the complexities of estate planning after a mid- to late-life divorce, or “gray divorce,” requires meticulous attention to detail and proactive measures, according to Kiplinger’s article, Don’t Forget to Update Beneficiaries After a Gray Divorce. Updating beneficiaries after a gray divorce is critical to estate planning. This article explores essential considerations for those undergoing a gray divorce, emphasizing the importance of reevaluating estate plans to reflect current intentions and relationships.

While family law attorneys primarily focus on asset division during divorce proceedings, it’s imperative to consider the fate of these assets post-divorce, particularly concerning beneficiaries. Updating beneficiaries on investment accounts, retirement funds and life insurance policies is paramount. Failure to do so could result in unintended consequences, potentially leaving assets to a former spouse.

Many states have statutes that automatically revoke a former spouse as a beneficiary post-divorce. However, these laws vary, and some exceptions exist, notably under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA) plans. Understanding the nuances of state laws and ERISA regulations is vital to ensure compliance and avoid costly mistakes.

In some divorces, waivers might be used in decrees to address survivorship benefits related to retirement plans. The effectiveness of these waivers relies on adherence to plan documents and detailed planning. Consulting with a knowledgeable estate planning attorney and incorporating specific language in property settlement agreements can mitigate risks and ensure comprehensive protection of assets.

Key Takeaways:

  • Proactive Approach: Do not wait until after your divorce is finalized to update your beneficiaries. Proactively review and revise beneficiary designations on all relevant accounts.
  • Understanding State Laws: Familiarize yourself with your state’s automatic revocation laws and how they affect beneficiary designations. Ensure that these laws align with your post-divorce intentions.
  • Consulting with Professionals: Consult with an experienced estate planning attorney to navigate the complexities of beneficiary updates and ensure compliance with state laws and ERISA regulations.
  • Detailed Planning: Use specific language in property settlement agreements to address survivorship benefits associated with retirement plans and other assets. Attention to detail is essential to avoid potential conflicts and ensure that your wishes are upheld.

In conclusion, updating beneficiaries after a gray divorce is critical to estate planning. By taking proactive measures, understanding relevant laws and seeking professional guidance, you can protect your assets and secure the financial future of your loved ones. Ready to embark on your post-divorce estate planning journey? Schedule a consultation today and gain peace of mind knowing that your assets are in trusted hands. If you would like to learn more about divorce and reevaluating your estate planning, please visit our previous posts. 

Reference: Kiplinger (April 15, 2024) Don’t Forget to Update Beneficiaries After a Gray Divorce

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Information in our blogs is very general in nature and should not be acted upon without first consulting with an attorney. Please feel free to contact Texas Trust Law to schedule a complimentary consultation.
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