FAQs About Estate Planning

What is the Tax Consequence of Selling Property I Inherit or Receive As A Gift?

Several weeks ago, I received a phone call from a client whose elderly mother owned several pieces of real estate in an exclusive part of town. She had…

Planning for Special Circumstances

Growing Number of Americans Choosing Cremation

If you have decided to be cremated when you die, you’re one of a growing number of Americans making that choice. I came across an interesting infographic…

Planning for Special Circumstances

Don’t Keep Your Heirs in the Dark

If you or someone you know has been a beneficiary of an estate, you may have been exposed to the frustration and disagreements that…

Wacky Wills

Wacky Will Wednesday: Wills That Make You Go “Hmmm… “Rona Scroratow

NB: This post is part of a series highlighting wills that contain some interesting, and sometimes bizarre, bequests and stipulations. You can see…

FAQs About Estate Planning

How Can I Protect an Inherited IRA from Creditors?

If you’re like most Americans, one of your largest assets is your Individual Retirement Account (“IRA”). Your IRA is considered a “retirement fund” and the money it…

FAQs About Trusts

Living Trust Scams

Many of us have seen advertisements touting the benefits of a living trust. Salespersons who promote living trusts claim they can reduce taxes, protect assets from creditors, and…

Planning for Special Circumstances

Going Out With A Bang

Cremation is increasing in popularity. Currently more than 40 percent of people who die choose cremation, and the numbers are rising. According to recent…

FAQs About Wills

Can I Add a Self-Proving Affidavit to a Holographic Will?

I have written before about the benefit of adding a self-proving affidavit to an attested Will. Doing so typically save time and expense because it eliminates the…

FAQs About Wills, Wills

Who Can Witness My Will in Texas?

Witnesses have a very important role in Will executions. It’s their job to verify that the Testator executed his will and had testamentary capacity and intent to…

Medical Powers of Attorney and Directives

Storing Your Health Care Directives: There’s an App for That!

I have written before about the importance of having health care directives. These documents allow you to appoint a…