eAlerts

This month’s Alert focuses on the increased trust litigation arising from the unintended consequences of the temporary repeal of the estate tax in 2010.

This month’s alert focuses on the narrowing window to lock-in the current $5.12 million estate and gift tax exemption by gifting prior to year-end. The alert also examines why it may not be possible to wait and do this planning at the last minute.

This month’s Alert gives an overview of developments affecting estate planning for same-sex couples. It recounts how recent elections approved same-sex marriages in several states. It also examines several cases which address the constitutionality of bans on same-sex marriage, including the Defense of Marriage Act.

This month’s Alert discusses how the “fiscal cliff” legislation impacts your clients’ estate plans.

This month’s Alert examines how the “fiscal cliff” legislation could result in changes for estate plans. Depending on the couple, it might mean they could simplify their plan. However, there are many non-tax reasons that they may want to keep a more complex plan.

This month’s Alert examines two high-profile cases which illustrate the importance of naming guardians for minor children.

This month’s Alert examines the rules regarding distributions from IRAs and retirement plans. In particular, it examines reasons to make a trust the beneficiary and rules regarding who is the measuring life for minimum required distribution purposes.

Compliments of Eghrari Law Firm “It’s not fair!”   Parents hear this protest all the time, and it often comes from children who confuse being treated fairly with being treated equally.   One of the challenges of parenting is figuring out how to be fair to your children when, often, that doesn’t mean treating them …

Annual gifts, especially through trusts with “Crummey powers,” can lead to significant estate tax savings. Read more about a recent taxpayer victory involving a “Crummey Trust” with no less than sixty beneficiaries with withdrawal powers.

This month’s Alert examines the case of Charles Kuralt. Kuralt lead two separate lives. Had he planned better, he could have reduced the financial turmoil left at his death. This month’s Alert explains how proper planning can reduce the financial sting even if the emotional sting remains.