A GRAT transfers an appreciating asset’s growth above the IRS hurdle rate to your heirs gift-tax-free. Here’s how it works and how to manage the risk.
The GRAT: How to Pass an Asset’s Growth to Your Heirs Nearly Tax-Free Read More »
Naming “my estate” on a retirement account loses favorable payout treatment and triggers probate. Name individuals or a qualifying see-through trust.
Don’t Name Your Estate as Your IRA Beneficiary Read More »
Without a health care proxy, a medical crisis can leave no one able to decide — and a family at war. Here’s the paperwork that prevents it.
When No One Has Authority: Why You Need a Health Care Proxy Read More »
Having incapacity documents isn’t enough if they fail: a springing POA banks reject, no HIPAA release, and a vague living will.
He Had All the Right Incapacity Documents. None of Them Worked. Read More »
The best founder estate move is transferring equity before it appreciates. Gifting low-value shares to a trust shifts future growth out of your estate.
Founders: Gift Your Equity While It’s Still Worth Little Read More »
Out-of-state real estate triggers a second probate in that state. A revocable trust or LLC avoids probate everywhere at once.
Own a Vacation Home in Another State? Beware Ancillary Probate. Read More »
A durable power of attorney prevents a costly court conservatorship if you’re incapacitated — but only if you sign it while you’re healthy.
The Estate Planning Document That Has Nothing to Do With Dying Read More »
A DIY online estate plan can fail four ways: an invalid will, a stale beneficiary, adding a child to the deed, and locked digital accounts.
He Did His Estate Plan Online. Four Things Went Wrong. Read More »
Skipping a generation triggers the GST tax — a separate 40% layer. A GST-exempt dynasty trust shelters wealth across generations.
Leaving Wealth to Your Grandchildren? Beware the 40% Generation-Skipping Tax. Read More »
Massachusetts taxes estates over $2M — far below the $15M federal exemption — with no spousal portability. A credit shelter trust is the fix.
You Don’t Have to Be Rich to Owe Massachusetts Estate Tax Read More »
