How Does Medicaid Count Assets?
Although the Medicaid system may be a generally recognized public benefit, the intricacies of the program usually do not become relevant to individuals, until they face the need to use it.
November 1, 2021
What a Power of Attorney Should Include
Many people have signed at least one power of attorney in their life. A power of attorney, which names a trusted family member, friend or advisor as your ‘attorney-in-fact’ to control your assets, is meant to be used if you are incapacitated.
August 23, 2021
You can be POA and Joint Account Owner
I know of someone who was joint account holder with his dad for many years, then later his dad then appointed him as power of attorney. How does that work? Is the son still a joint account holder?
July 15, 2021
QTIP Trusts Help avoid Estate Taxes
Right now, gifts to trusts can take advantage of high tax exemptions and remove future appreciation of assets from taxable estates. One example available to spouses is making a gift to a trust that allows for a qualified terminable interest property (QTIP) election.
June 22, 2021
A SLAT allows You to Protect Assets
These spousal trusts are garnering attention as estate and gift tax exemptions are poised for overhaul.
June 1, 2021
Tax Liabilities when a Loved One Dies
When someone passes away, their tax headaches don’t die with them. In fact, those obligations can further complicate the lives of survivors: Federal estate taxes may be due and state inheritance taxes could also come into play.
May 17, 2021
Managing an Inherited Retirement Account
So, you inherited a retirement account. Before you make any decisions on when and how to access the money, it’s worth familiarizing yourself with the rules that apply to different beneficiaries.
May 5, 2021
Revise your Planning with a Second Marriage
If you are planning to take another walk down the aisle, it is critical to take the time to review and revise your estate plan, especially if meaningful assets and debts are being brought into the marriage.
April 19, 2021
Is a SLAT right for your Family?
If you have been thinking about making large gifts to take advantage of the current $11,700,000 lifetime federal estate tax exemption, you have probably been contemplating a spousal lifetime access trust, commonly known as a SLAT.
March 16, 2021
Update Your Plan to Protect Spouse and Children
Imagine you get married and within a year or two, your new spouse passes away. Now, imagine that your grief is compounded with financial stress.
April 22, 2020