Personally owned life insurance is taxed in your estate. An ILIT keeps the death benefit out — but watch the 3-year rule.
Who Owns Your Life Insurance? The Answer Can Cost Millions. Read More »
Verbal end-of-life wishes can stall decisions and spark family conflict. A living will, health care proxy, and HIPAA authorization make them count.
Say It and Write It: Why You Need a Living Will, Not Just a Conversation Read More »
A verbal “I’ll just tell them” plan leaves the executor lost, assets hidden, and heirs fighting. Put it in writing with an inventory.
His Whole Plan Was ‘I’ll Just Tell Them.’ After He Died, It Was Chaos. Read More »
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 »
