Estate Planning Blog

Whatever the case may be, owning real property in more than one state can be a problem after your death if you don’t want your estate tied up in probate court.

Navigating the world of estate planning can be complex and overwhelming, particularly when it comes to understanding the different types of wills available. Each type of will serves a unique purpose and caters to different estate planning needs…

Family business succession planning is a critical and often challenging process for many family-owned businesses. The goal of a successful succession plan is to ensure a smooth transition of the business to the next generation, preserving the legacy and values that have been built over the years…

A recent New Jersey Appellate Division decision should remind you to keep track of the designations of all non-probate assets to ensure that they pass in accordance with your testamentary intentions.

Parents typically do not want their surviving children to fight over their inheritances after the parents die. Careful planning may reduce the risk of foreseeable in-family conflicts.

Estate planning for blended families presents unique challenges. Unlike traditional family structures, reports Barrons recent article titled, “When Remarrying Creates a Blended Family: Advice From Financial Pros,” blended families often involve complex relationships and diverse financial backgrounds, making the process of estate and financial planning more intricate. This article has tips for blended families on identifying overall estate planning goals and concerns and identifying heirs to protect your new family and future.

Residual income, especially prevalent in the entertainment industry, refers to ongoing payments received for work done in the past. This income can stem from royalties in TV shows, movies, music, or books. A notable example is the late Matthew Perry, whose role in Friends brought him substantial residuals, as highlighted in a CNBC article. The Importance of Estate Planning for Residual Income For individuals with significant residual income, estate planning is crucial. It ensures that their assets are distributed according to their wishes and can help mitigate complex legal and financial issues after their passing. Case Study:…

In an era where living to 100 is becoming increasingly likely, financial planning for retirement takes on a new level of complexity. The Yahoo Finance article, “Retirement Planning: Here’s How Much You’ll Need To Save If You Live to 100”, offers a comprehensive look at this challenge, highlighting the need for a radical shift in our approach to life and financial planning. Understanding the Longevity Revolution The “longevity revolution” concept discussed by Laura L. Carstensen, director of the Center for Longevity, suggests a significant societal shift. This revolution impacts various aspects of life, including health care, personal finance and retirement…

As an estate planning attorney, I frequently encounter questions regarding the Generation-Skipping Transfer Tax (GSTT). This tax, often overlooked, plays a critical role in the strategic planning of estate transfers. In this article, I aim to demystify the GSTT and provide practical tax tips to those navigating this complex area. Understanding the Generation-Skipping Transfer Tax The Generation-Skipping Transfer Tax is a federal tax on transfers of property that skip a generation. This tax was introduced to prevent families from circumventing estate tax by transferring wealth directly to grandchildren or other “skip persons.” The Mechanics of GSTT The GSTT is levied…

Beyond being an act of generosity, gifting ensures that a significant portion of your wealth is preserved rather than diminished by taxes.