With the implementation of the Secure Act's new rules for inherited retirement distributions, older Americans are facing the challenge of finding ways to pass assets on to their grandchildren without a large tax bill attached. This law, which took effect in 2020,...
Content By Susan L. Friedman
Treasury Provides Temporary Relief from 401(k) Catch-up Contributions Rollback
Background The Secure 2.0 Act (Secure 2.0), a sweeping retirement bill included in Division T of the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023, was a major bipartisan accomplishment of the 117th Congress. The bill included 82 provisions to expand coverage and increase...
Will the Corporate Transparency Act Affect Estate Planning?
The Corporate Transparency Act of 2020 (CTA) passed through Congress on Jan. 2, 2021. The CTA was enacted to prevent companies from being able to conceal ownership of businesses where concealment could facilitate illicit activity such as money laundering, financing of...
New Ohio Postnuptial Agreements and Estate Planning
For more than 130 years, Ohio has strictly prohibited postnuptial agreements and spouses were not able to enter into agreements with each other that altered their spousal rights. Additionally, Ohio has restricted amendments and termination of prenuptial agreements....
FDIC Insurance: What to Know Following Silicon Valley Bank Closure
Federal regulators took over Silicon Valley Bank after shutting it down on Friday – two days after SVB’s announcement that it had lost almost $2 billion in Treasury bonds. The bank, which caters to many of the world’s most powerful tech investors, is the largest to...
The Risks of DIY Estate Planning
Quality Matters: Estate Planning Is No Exception The other day, my hot water tank broke. At first, I just thought the pilot light went out. I was easily able to follow the directions to get the pilot light back on, but the water didn’t heat up. So, I went back and...
When Should You Hire a Probate Attorney?
If probate is needed, the process usually begins soon after a loved one passes away. The probate process can be long, stressful, and expensive. Some family members are able to manage it on their own without an attorney, but it is typically a much too involved and time...
What the SECURE 2.0 Act Means for Your Retirement Savings
At the very end of 2022, President Biden signed the $1.7 trillion omnibus spending package which includes the SECURE 2.0 Act. SECURE 2.0 builds on The Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement (SECURE) Act of 2019, revising existing rules around retirement...
Can Pets Inherit?
For so many of us, pets are part of the family. Everywhere you go, you likely notice that people bring their dogs along these days; and many pets, such as birds and tortoises, have long life spans. So, you might worry about what will happen to your beloved fur baby...
Frequently Asked Questions About Inheritance and Adoption
As an Estate, Wealth & Succession Planning attorney, I often assist individuals with a variety of matters ranging from basic estate plans to more complex business succession arrangements. Frequently, when assisting families with estate planning or asset...