Everything You Need to Know About Beneficiary Designations
The Commonwealth Court of Pennsylvania held that an exemption to the application of PA Realty Transfer Tax Section (RTT) for no or nominal consideration from a trust under Section 1102-C.3(9.1)1 applies not only to transfers...more
There’s a good chance that your estate plan includes a revocable trust — sometimes known as a “living trust.” This type of trust can help your estate avoid probate, guard your privacy and provide protection in the event...more
Most US homeowners and business owners understand the importance of an estate plan; they just never seem to get around to completing the task. What do you need to know about a trust? Why are trusts a central component of any...more
Choosing between a will and a living trust in Washington state can be confusing for various reasons. You may feel that you don’t know which estate planning tool will help you manage your financial portfolio or complex assets....more
Trusts are described in multiple ways, including: living or testamentary, revocable or irrevocable and grantor or non-grantor. These terms are not always mutually exclusive. A trust can be living, revocable and a grantor...more
On January 12, 2023, the Michigan Court of Appeals issued its decision in In re Claeys Revocable Living Trust, 2023 Westlaw 175242, No 360054 (Mich Ct App Jan 12 2023), which considered whether a trust beneficiary was...more
Though not a silver bullet for every situation, in appropriate circumstances, a Joint Revocable Living Trust ("Joint Trust") can provide a married couple with significant benefits and simplify the administration of assets...more
The most powerful and flexible tool estate planners have today is the revocable living trust. It is essentially a substitute for a will that allows you to avoid the often lengthy and expensive probate process, while giving...more
You may have already recognized the benefits of using a living trust. Typically, this trust type makes sense if you’re looking to preserve assets for other family members without dire tax consequences or to avoid probate. But...more
A common misperception of trusts is that they are legal entities that, like corporations, can hold title to real estate and other property. A new California appellate decision, Boshernitsan v. Bach (2021) ___ Cal.App.5th ___,...more
If you’re like most people, there is a laundry list of things you’d rather do than think about your estate plan. While it can be a challenging area to discuss, your estate plan is essential to ensure you and your family are...more
Background - Recently, the Indiana Court of Appeals decided the case of Murphy, et al. v. Trustee of Star Financial Bank, et al. The case involved a woman named Janice who had executed a revocable living trust in 1990. ...more
Revocable trusts are an effective way to avoid probate and provide for asset management in the event of incapacity. In addition, revocable trusts--sometimes called “living” trusts--are incredibly flexible and can achieve many...more
CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR NEW HOME! Purchasing a home is one of the most significant investments you can make. Consequently, you will probably do everything you can to care for and protect your home, right? Those protective...more
As seniors age, many seniors believe that they should add an adult child to their bank account. Purely for ease and convenience, a jointly owned bank account would be a good way for an adult child to monitor a senior’s...more
A revocable living trust is often used to complement a will. Assets transferred to the trust generally don’t have to go through the probate process, which can be time-consuming and expensive. They’re also generally protected...more
For those in the middle of a divorce, the last thing on their mind is a review of their estate plan. However, a major life change, such as a divorce, is a critical time to update an estate plan so that wishes are carried out...more
One of the questions I am often asked by clients is, “Should I transfer my automobiles to my revocable living trust?” I generally advise clients not to transfer their automobiles to their revocable living trust. The primary...more
If a person is pulled between the pressing needs of elderly parents and his or her own children, he or she is part of the “sandwich generation.” This position can lead to frustration, anguish and even financial loss. This...more
The sandwich generation: A slice of life - Do you feel like you’re pulled between the pressing needs of your elderly parents and your own children? If so, you’re part of the “sandwich generation,” the term coined to...more