An Executor’s Guide to Administering an Estate
Interview with Lisa Grayson - Digital Planning Podcast
Inheritance Data - Digital Planning Podcast
What are some of the fundamental issues when estate planning for business owners? Why should every business owner have an estate plan? What are some of the primary issues to address in an effective estate plan for those who...more
Because so many things can change with time, we recommend that our clients review their estate plans every three to five years and update plans as needed. These periodic reviews help to ensure that your affairs are in order,...more
Traditionally, real estate must pass through a deed signed by all grantees of the last vesting deed, or if one of the grantees has passed away, then a probate proceeding allows a court to transfer title for the deceased...more
There are numerous benefits of using trusts in your estate plan. For example, trusts can maximize the tax code provisions shielding assets from gift and estate taxes, protect assets from the clutches of creditors or...more
Despite the unusual rain this year, New England is typically a great place to be in the summer. However, once the cold air moves in, countless people escape the harsh winters of New England by living half of the year in warm,...more
This week, the Court addresses the application of the probate exception to federal-court jurisdiction. The Court holds that the probate-exception bar to federal-court jurisdiction does not apply when a breach-of-contract...more
Although transfer-on-death (TOD) and payable-on-death (POD) designations on financial accounts can be an effective tool to avoid the probate process, these account designations have the potential to derail a customer’s estate...more
People are frequently advised that they should avoid probate at all costs and use transfer on death or “TOD” registrations to achieve that result. Although accounts titled in this fashion become the property of the designated...more
The federal estate tax exemption is now $11.4 million per person ($22.8 million/couple), and the New York State estate tax exemption is now $5,740,000 per person. Generally, the exemption amount is the value of assets that...more
When You Hear the Term “Estate Planning”, Do You Think: “I don’t need an estate plan because I don’t have very much,” “My wishes are simple, I can just jot down what I need,” “I know someone who said they used a Will...more
People often ask “Why do I need a trust?” Some folks think they can get by with a simple will. Here is why you probably need more than that...more
If you haven’t looked at your Will or estate plan lately, now is a good time to do so. Much has changed over the last decade, and more change may be on the horizon. See if your estate plan is still appropriate in light of the...more
In the most recent installment of the McGuireWoods Fiduciary Advisory Services annual multipart series on recent fiduciary cases, developments in the law concerning various topics are examined through the following: - ...more
In This Issue: - Don’t be afraid of probate - Smart estate planning begins with protecting your assets - Thinking long term: Don’t overlook long-term care planning - ESTATE PLANNING PITFALL: You’re not making direct...more
Despite what one might think, estate planning isn’t limited to only the rich and famous. Previously, avoiding or minimizing federal estate tax liability was a primary motivation for creating an estate plan. But with a...more
In This Issue: - Who needs an estate plan? Quick answer: Everyone - NINGs, DINGs and WINGs: Understanding the tax angles of self-settled trusts - Securities laws can derail your estate plan - ESTATE PLANNING...more
I’m writing this in Wilmington, North Carolina at a time when many in this area still are struggling after Hurricane Florence. The weekend before the storm was bright and sunny. I would have rather gone to the beach, but...more
As many in the country mourn the loss of Aretha Franklin, some of us are a bit surprised to discover the Queen of Soul passed intestate, without a will or estate plan....more
Last month, Prince died at the ripe young age of 57. He had no will, as reported by his only full sibling (a sister). She filed for probate of his estate in Minnesota, where he owned a home in Paisley Park. Under Minnesota...more
News sources are reporting that court documents filed last week indicate Prince died intestate, meaning he did not have a will. His sister filed the paperwork, stating to her knowledge he did not have a will and requesting...more
Connecticut has implemented changes to its transfer tax and probate laws that affect nearly every decedent leaving even a modest estate via will or nonprobate transfer (such as a revocable trust). A new $20 million cap for...more
In re Estate of House, 2014 Wash. App. LEXIS 3006 (Wash. Ct. App. 2014) - A release waiving any and all claims that the parties may have or may acquire, bars recovery for unknown claims existing at the time the release...more
In your experience, what’s the most costly mistake people make when preparing estate plans, and what can they do to fix them? That’s the question we recently put to attorneys writing on JD Supra....more