Estate Planning and the TCJA Estate planners are once again preparing for the potential expiration of key tax provisions. In 2010, the federal government stepped in with The Tax Relief Act of 2010 to avoid the sunset provisions of the Economic Growth and Tax Relief...
Gallup reports that 7.6% of U.S. adults currently identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, or another sexual orientation other than heterosexual. While this figure represents a growing trend, individuals identifying as LGBTQ+ represent a minority within...
Estate planning is a lot like putting together a puzzle. The client provides you with their box lid showing what they want the ultimate result of their plan to look like. Then, estate planners are tasked to identify and gather the various pieces and put it all...
The SECURE Act: Key Changes and Updates The Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement Act (SECURE Act) was originally signed into law on December 20, 2019. The Act simplifies the process for businesses to establish “safe harbor” retirement plans, making...
The Murdoch's Battle Over Their Media Empire The Murdoch heirs are battling over control of their multi-billion-dollar media empire. Adding to the complexity, the fight involves an irrevocable trust which Rupert Murdoch created in 1999. He executed the trust after...
The recent case of Richard Simmons, the beloved and iconic fitness guru, is a notable example of the conflicts that can arise when co-trustees are appointed to manage an estate. Co-trustees need to work together in order to fulfill the Grantor’s wishes and administer...
In a recent class-action lawsuit, ten disabled Alaskans have sued the State of Alaska and their court-appointed guardian. This case emphasizes the profound importance of comprehensive estate planning, extending far beyond the mere management of financial assets. It...
Understanding the nuances of the Internal Revenue Code (I.R.C.) is crucial for effective estate planning and tax strategy. For example, estate planners must be familiar with the tax basis adjustment provisions in 26 U.S.C. § 1014. This article provides a detailed...
The American housing market is grappling with escalating interest rates and limited inventory, pricing many Americans out of home ownership. Massachusetts’s senior Senator Elizabeth Warren seeks to address this issue in the “American Housing and Economic Mobility...
August is "National Make-a-Will" Month, the perfect opportunity to seriously consider your estate plan. Many delay this crucial task due to common misconceptions about what an estate involves. Here, we delve deeper into what creating an effective estate plan entails...