Estate Planning Blog

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.

Estate planning is a crucial process for everyone. However, it becomes particularly imperative for our elderly parents. As they advance in age, creating a complete estate plan ensures that their wishes are honored, and their affairs are in order for the inevitable. This guide will walk you through the essential steps and documents involved in estate planning for aging parents, helping you to make financial and medical decisions that are aligned with their desires. Understanding the Importance of an Estate Plan for Your Elderly Parent Estate planning is not merely about distributing assets. It’s a comprehensive approach to managing an…

In recent years, particularly following the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been a marked surge in life insurance applications, reaching a 38-year high in 2021, as reported by LIMRA. This trend underscores a growing recognition of life insurance’s value beyond its traditional role. As Kara Sherman, CFP®, highlighted in her Kiplinger article dated September 09, 2023, life insurance is more than just a safety net following one’s demise; it’s a versatile financial tool for living benefits and legacy planning. The Traditional Role of Life Insurance Financial Security for Dependents At its core, life insurance protects those who…

Leaving a legacy through charitable bequests is not just for the wealthy. Sharon Waters highlighted in her AARP article that anyone can make a lasting impact by including charities in their estate plan. This article explores various strategies to do so effectively. Understanding the Impact of Charitable Bequests Charitable bequests are instructions to allocate assets to charitable organizations within a will or estate plan. These bequests can create a lasting impact, supporting causes and organizations that matter to you long after you’re gone. Even modest bequests can significantly contribute to a charity’s mission. Assessing Your Options for Charitable Giving There…