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Should You File an Estate Tax Return on the Death of a Spouse?
When a spouse dies, the surviving spouse or personal representative must decide whether to file a federal estate tax return,…
Trusts vs. Wills – Understanding Estate Planning
Trusts and wills are both estate planning tools used to manage and distribute assets upon an individual’s death, but they…
Exploring Property Transfer Options at Death: Beneficiary Designations, Wills, and Trusts
Transferring property at death is a crucial aspect of estate planning, ensuring that assets are distributed according to an individual’s…
What to do when someone dies.
Dealing with the aftermath of someone’s death can be a challenging and emotional time. People are often anxious to resolve…
Advance Directives and Dementia
What is an Advance Healthcare Directive? Advance Healthcare Directives (also known as a health care power of attorney or living…
Make Sure Your Beneficiary Designations Match Your Estate Planning Goals
Many types of property and investments pass outside of probate and allow you to designate who will receive them after your death. It is important that these designations are kept up to date and are consistent with the rest of your estate plan.
What Will Happen When the Gift and Estate Tax Exemption Gets Cut in Half?
The estate and gift tax exemption is set to be cut in half in 2026. Proper planning may be necessary to make sure you are taking full advantage of the current exemption and aren’t negatively affected when it decreases.
A Brief Overview of a Trustee’s Duties
If you have been appointed the trustee of a trust, it is a strong vote of confidence in your judgment and trustworthiness. It is also a major responsibility. A trust is a legal arrangement through which one person (or an…
Three Reasons Why Giving Your House to Your Children Isn’t the Best Way to Protect It From Medicaid
You may be afraid of losing your home if you have to enter a nursing home and apply for Medicaid. While this fear is well-founded, transferring the home to your children is usually not the best way to protect it.
The Ins and Outs of Estate Sales
Following the death of a family member, you may find yourself needing to sort through many possessions accumulated over the deceased’s lifetime. An estate sale is one way to distribute, quickly and efficiently, those items that you do not want or need.