Making sure your family will be able to locate your estate planning documents when needed is one of the most important parts of the estate planning process. Your carefully prepared will, trust or power…
A do-it-yourself (DIY) estate plan may seem appealing to those who feel confident managing their own affairs and want to save money. With the abundance of online templates and legal software, it’s easier than…
Life insurance is often a cornerstone of estate planning, providing liquidity to cover estate taxes, debts or other obligations. However, life insurance proceeds generally will be included in your taxable estate if you own…
As its name suggests, a living trust (also known as a revocable trust) is in effect while you’re alive. It’s a legal entity into which you title assets to be managed during your lifetime…
Ever since the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) was signed into law in 2017, estate planners have had to take into account a looming date: January 1, 2026. While the TCJA effectively doubled…
Asset protection is a strategic approach to safeguarding your wealth from potential lawsuits and creditor claims. Indeed, protecting your assets is critical in today’s litigious environment. Without proper planning, a single lawsuit or debt…
Members of the sandwich generation — those who find themselves simultaneously caring for aging parents while supporting their own children — face unique financial and emotional pressures. One critical yet often overlooked task amid…
With the federal gift and estate tax exemption amount set at $13.99 million for 2025, most people won’t be liable for these taxes. However, capital gains tax on inherited assets may cause an unwelcome tax…
If you’ve given a significant financial gift to a family member, you may wonder whether you’re required to file a gift tax return. Even if no tax is due, filing Form 709, United States…
