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 »
With no will, intestacy law picks your heirs — and ignores partners and other loved ones. Here’s how single adults take back control.
Single With No Kids? You May Need an Estate Plan More Than Anyone. Read More »
Young families often have four estate-planning gaps at once: no guardian, too little life insurance, money at 18, and no incapacity docs.
Young, Healthy, and One Accident From Chaos: Four Gaps in a ‘We’re Fine’ Plan Read More »
A large estate relying on “leave it to each other” can leave millions exposed to the 40% estate tax. Lifetime gifting, GRATs, and an ILIT reduce it.
A $40 Million Estate That Did Nothing Read More »
No guardian named? A court decides who raises your kids. Here’s how a will, a trust, and life insurance put that choice back in your hands.
He Trusted His Second Wife to Provide for His Kids. The Law Didn’t Require Her To. Read More »
No guardian named? A court decides who raises your kids. Here’s how a will, a trust, and life insurance put that choice back in your hands.
A Court Chose Who Would Raise Their Children. You Can Choose Instead. Read More »
Are you a parent of a special needs child? Do you often worry about your child’s care after you die? Such thoughts are common for parents, grandparents, and providers of special needs individuals. If you care for a loved one with special needs, consider educating yourself about planning for such a loved one. One important
Government Benefits Made Simple for Parents of Children with Special Needs Read More »
Many parents open a 529 plan with the expectation that their child will one day attend college or pursue higher education. When a child later receives a disability diagnosis, it is natural to question whether a 529 is still the right savings vehicle. For children with intellectual disabilities (ID) or significant developmental challenges, a 529
What to Do with a 529 Plan for Your Child with Special Needs Read More »
When it comes to saving for college, 529 plans are one of the most powerful tools available. They offer tax-deferred growth and tax-free withdrawals when used for qualified education expenses. But while these accounts are generally straightforward, things can get more complicated when a 529 plan is owned by a trust. Let’s break down what
The Hidden Rules of 529 Plans: What Happens When a Trust Owns the Account? Read More »
Several important changes to Supplemental Security Income (SSI) went into effect in September 2024. This blog may be a little delayed in covering them, but I believe it is never too late to try and simplify complex policies. My goal here is to break down the updates into plain language and explain them with everyday
Understanding the Recent Changes to SSI Rules in Simple Terms Read More »
