We are going to explain how the trustee can use the funds in a special needs trust in this post. But before we focus on this particular detail, we will provide a broader overview so you understand why these trusts are utilized. Preservation of Government Benefit Eligibility Let’s say that you have a person with a disability in the family, and you want to leave them an inheritance. This individual relies on Medicaid for much-needed health insurance, and they receive a monthly stream of income … [Read more...] about What Are the Special Needs Trust Spending Guidelines?
Estate Planning
Blended Family Estate Planning: Food for Thought
There are specialized approaches that can be taken to account for different estate planning circumstances that can present themselves. As estate planning attorneys, we have seen every possible scenario unfold, so we are aware of the mistakes that people make. We also know the best way to address any and all situations, and with this in mind, we are going to pass along four tips about estate planning for parents that are getting remarried. Do not automatically use a simple will to leave … [Read more...] about Blended Family Estate Planning: Food for Thought
An Overview of Living Trust Administration
The most commonly used type of trust is the revocable living trust, and we are going to focus on the administration of these trusts here. We will look at the administration of irrevocable trusts in a future post. The First Steps When you establish a living trust, you are called the grantor of the trust. As the grantor, you serve as the trustee while you are alive and well, and you also act as the beneficiary. You make the trust the owner of the property that you want to pass along to your … [Read more...] about An Overview of Living Trust Administration
What Is a HIPAA Release?
The acronym HIPAA stands for the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996. In this post, we will explain why this piece of legislation is something to take into consideration when you are planning your estate. Advance Directives for Health Care Everyone is well aware of the fact that you have to facilitate postmortem asset transfers when you put your estate plan in place. A lot of people think this is the long and short of it, but a proper estate plan will also address … [Read more...] about What Is a HIPAA Release?
Is There a Connecticut Estate Tax?
Many people are surprised to hear that taxation is usually not much of a problem when an estate is being distributed to the heirs. There are no income taxes on inheritances, and if you inherit appreciated assets, you get a step up in basis. This means that you would not have to pay capital gains tax on gains that accumulated during the life of the decedent. A tax that can take a heavy toll if you are exposed is the federal estate tax. It carries a whopping 40 percent maximum rate, but you … [Read more...] about Is There a Connecticut Estate Tax?
Consider This Succession Strategy for Business Partners
Small business owners face certain estate planning challenges, and this can be particularly true when there is a partnership. What would take place if one business partner was to pass away? There is a business succession solution that is often utilized when this type of scenario exists. Let’s look at the details. Buy-Sell Agreements Let’s explain by way of example. Suppose you are one of three small business partners. Your business is thriving, and the share that is owned by each respective … [Read more...] about Consider This Succession Strategy for Business Partners
Shrunken Asset Values Open Estate Planning Opportunities
COVID-19, the novel coronavirus, has been a challenge confronting countries around the world. Not only has COVID-19 been challenging healthcare systems, but the social distancing required to combat the virus has also rocked financial markets. However, there may be an opportunity for those wishing to do certain types of Estate Planning. Read on to learn more. … [Read more...] about Shrunken Asset Values Open Estate Planning Opportunities
Use Trust Protectors for Added Protection and Flexibility
Trust Protectors are increasingly popular in trusts. This article examines how Trust Protectors can add flexibility to your trust. This flexibility helps achieve your goals and can protect the beneficiaries and Trustee. Use Trust Protectors for Added Protection and Flexibility … [Read more...] about Use Trust Protectors for Added Protection and Flexibility
Income Tax Basis
Income tax basis is important in tax and estate planning. This article examines the concept of income tax basis, how one acquires a basis, how it gets adjusted, etc. The article then examines how the basis is subtracted from the sale price to determine gain or loss. The next article in the series will examine how income tax basis is an important factor in estate planning. Income Tax Basis … [Read more...] about Income Tax Basis
How Will You Obtain the Care You Need?
What’s the right direction for you in planning for the help you might need in the future? Seven in ten of us will need long-term care at some point in our lives. Here are possible paths for covering the assistance you may need. How Will You Obtain the Care You Need? … [Read more...] about How Will You Obtain the Care You Need?
