The rule under traditional, or “common-law,” trust law is that you cannot be a beneficiary of a trust you create yourself and protect the property from your creditors. You can, however, create a [...]
The rules around retirement plans have always been much too complicated and the SECURE Act has exacerbated the situation. Back in the day, your parents or grandparents may have worked for the [...]
No doubt, your pet or pets are significant parts of your family. (Does it sometimes seem like your dog is the only one happy to see you come home after work?) Yet most people do not include them [...]
Whether or not you are a U.S. citizen, you may own real estate in another country, either that vacation condo you bought in Aruba or the family property you inherited in Italy. What happens to [...]
The good news, if your spouse or anyone you want to include in your estate plan is not a United States citizen, is that for the most part that won’t affect your estate plan. The probate laws of [...]
Photo by Mike Marquez on Unsplash Life can be complicated, especially as people live longer and have more opportunities for relationships. While the Ozzie and Harriet model of a single happy [...]
Up until the last century, the federal estate tax was imposed during wartime to raise funds for the military and disbanded when peace came. The first tax on inheritances was enacted in 1797 as [...]
In principle, a trust document can be as short as this: I, Hillary, hereby create this trust as grantor and trustee. If I ever become incapacitated or upon my death, my husband, Bill, will step [...]