
It is not Wise to Leave your IRA to your Estate
When an estate is named beneficiary of an IRA, what is the method of distributing it to one individual in the most tax-effective way?

When an estate is named beneficiary of an IRA, what is the method of distributing it to one individual in the most tax-effective way?

While most initial meetings with an estate planning attorney will result in some questions you likely have never considered, there are many ways in which you can prepare for a thoughtful and productive estate planning conference that will result in a better understanding of your goals and more efficient use of time with your attorney.

While legally you may not need all-new estate planning documents if you move to a different state, you should have your documents reviewed by a local attorney in your new home.

All you have to do is type ‘maximize Social Security’ into Google or any other search engine and you will get hundreds, if not thousands, of hits.

It’s generally a bad idea to name a trust as beneficiary of your IRA.

Charitable remainder trusts give you more options and more control on how your heirs inherit, now that the “stretch” IRA is a thing of the past.

When an individual cannot make important decisions for himself or herself, a judge appoints someone called the conservator or guardian to make decisions. The conservator has the legal backing of the court in all decisions, including finances, medical and personal care.

The difference between power of attorney and guardianship is a common question asked by adult children. Both roles share a duty to provide care and oversight of medical care and health.

If you don’t also fund it, unexpected things can happen and some of those things may not reflect the intent to the grantor.

Usually when asked to be the executor of a family member’s estate, the person feels honored and trusted. It’s a big responsibility, since the executor will be tasked with carrying out a loved one’s final wishes.