Research the Archives

• Special Needs Trusts
  Caring for a family member with special needs can be difficult enough, without losing government assistance. Our lead article reviews common mistakes, and a government-approved strategy to maximize support for the person with special needs.
   
• Securing Security
  Here we examine two alternative trusts that supplement (but do not supplant) government assistance provided to a family member with special needs. Also, we will consider a proven method to finance their long-term security.

March 2011

• Solo Solutions
  Singles comprise nearly half of the adult American population. Whether never married, widowed or divorced, single adults face unique Life & Estate Planning issues. In this issue of our newsletter we focus on the challenges from a singular perspective.
   
• Premarital Planning
  Whether you are getting married or remarried, here we examine Premarital Planning and offer some practical pointers regarding important financial and legal matters that you will want to consider before you tie-the-knot.

April 2011

• Tomorrowitis
  Why doesn’t everyone have their final affairs in order, especially in light of the likelihood of incapacity and the certainty of death? Our lead article in this issue takes aim at the chief culprit: Tomorrowitis.
   
• Finding Fiduciaries
  Here we consider the critical process of selecting and appointing appropriate fiduciaries to handle your financial affairs when you cannot. In fact, this is one of the first (and most important) planning decisions you must make.

May 2011

• Elder Law Elements
  Good news, bad news. The good news: Americans are living longer than ever. The bad news: we eventually wear out physically, mentally or both. In this issue we review two challenges: becoming incapacitated and going broke due to long-term care.
   
• Long-Term Caring
  Here we examine important considerations when selecting a Long-Term Care Insurance policy. In addition to policy benefits, be sure to check the health of the insurance company standing behind the policy itself!

June 2011

• Women: Law & Money
  Are you a woman or do you know someone who is? If so, then you will want to read and share this issue of our newsletter. The first article reviews some important Estate Essentials and Money Matters every woman should address without delay.
   
• Daughter Syndrome
  Our next article examines the Daughter Syndrome. After a woman rears her children and cares for her parents, in-laws and husband … who is there for her? These days it is prudent to have a plan to care for the caregiver, given our mobile society.

July 2011

• Blended Family Basics
  Is yours a blended family? If yes, then you face unique inheritance challenges, to include disinheriting your ex-spouse, providing for your new spouse and your own children, and protecting their inheritance. Keep this newsletter (and share it with others).
   
• Estate Equalization
  Next we consider estate equalization planning to avoid disinheriting either your new spouse, or your children of a prior marriage. Insurance premiums and legal fees are cheap compared to the costs of disinheritance.

August 2011

• Admirable Administration
  Have you appointed trusted family members, friends or professionals to serve as the fiduciaries of your estate plan upon your death? If so, our first article is a must-read as we review some of the responsibilities (and liabilities) they will face.
   
• Treasure Hunt
  Every youngster, at one time or another, dreams of going on a treasure hunt. However, the fiduciaries of your estate will not find inventorying your assets to be nearly as exciting. Our next article provides tips on making their job easier (and less expensive).

September 2011

• Marital Matters
  This month we focus on making proper estate plans to avoid common legal and financial challenges in your marriage. Meeting these challenges will help you honor the vows you made on your wedding day to care for one another.
   
• Non-Citizen Spouses
  Fact: Many U.S. citizens marry non-citizen spouses. Problem: Lifetime and post-mortem transfers to a non-citizen spouse can trigger significant gift and estate taxes. The tax rules are complex and proper estate planning requires great care.

October 2011

• Cohabitation Complexities
  Like their married counterparts, unmarried cohabitants need to make appropriate Life & Estate Plans to avoid especially unpleasant and expensive surprises. Our first article reviews common challenges in the context of some real-life scenarios.
   
• Postmarital Planning
  Next we examine legal tools and techniques that are must-haves for married couples, and some that may be more important depending on your unique needs. You will want to share this article with your married friends and family members.

November 2011

• Seasonal Solutions
  To everything there is a season. So it is with your Life & Estate Plan. Our first article uses a Seasons of Life theme to illustrate how your Life & Estate Plan may change with your personal and financial circumstances over your lifetime.
   
• The Three P's Protocol
  On our second article, we review the process of organizing your legal affairs to help ensure that your planning is thorough. As you will see, it is simply a matter of identifying your Three P's.

December 2011

• Family Limited Partnerships
  Family Limited Partnerships offer many benefits, both tax and non-tax. Our first article is a primer that explores why they are at once a taxpayer favorite ... and a potential target of the IRS and some courts.
   
• Asset Protection
  In our second article, we examine three strategies for protecting your hard-earned wealth: exempting your assets, limiting your liability, and transferring your risk. This article will inspire you to take specific actions today to protect your wealth tomorrow.

January 2012

• Five Estate Blunders
  Proper estate planning is not just for the rich and famous. Surprisingly, however, that is a common misconception. Every adult American has an estate worth planning, regardless of their net worth. In this article we review some critical concerns and plans.
   
• Family Feuds
  Our second article considers the subject of Family Feuds resulting from an inheritance, or lack thereof. Your family may not resemble the Hatfields and the McCoys, but family disharmony can be avoided through proper planning (and communication).