There was a recent case in Long Island, New York concerning issues surrounding "the right to die." Sungeon Grace Lee, age 28, decided her life was no longer worth living. She advised her doctors she wanted to end her life by cutting off the life support system keeping her alive. Her parents, who are deeply religious, vehemently opposed their … [Read more...]
No More Golden Years
Retirement is supposed to be the "golden years." Today, the golden years maybe a thing of the past. It is estimated three quarters of Americans facing retirement age have approximately $30,000 in savings. The failure of Americans of retirement age to develop a significant amount of savings may have a long term impact on retirement in United … [Read more...]
Garden of Eden Adult Home in Brooklyn is “A Garden Of Hell”
The Garden of Eden Nursing Home is located in Bensonhurst, Brooklyn, New York. The residents of this adult facility have been forced to live in a poorly maintained residence and under unsanitary living conditions. Multiple lawsuits have been brought related to complaints of mistreatment from the residents. The State Health Department has sited the … [Read more...]
What Wills Can’t Do
There are many very important uses for wills. However, there are things for which wills were not designed and cannot accomplish. The following are a list of things that can NOT be dealt with in a will: 1. If you own assets in a "joint tenancy" with another individual, or a "tenancy by the entirety" (a marital estate), you cannot dispose of … [Read more...]
Wills And Trusts Can Reduce Estate Taxes
Individuals with significant assets can reduce their tax liability upon their death by using sophisticated wills and trusts. In 2010, the wills, trust and estate area is facing a unique situation. For the 2010 calendar year there is no federal estate tax. After 2010, the federal estate tax exemption will go back to one million dollars. Well … [Read more...]
Why Create An Irrevocable Trust?
Irrevocable trusts cannot be changed. They are permanent trusts. Asset Protection: When you place your assets in irrevocable trust, you remove ownership and control of those assets from the creator of the trust. These types of trusts are used for Medicaid planning purposes. It should be noted that there is a five year look-back period for … [Read more...]
Trustees: Who are They and What do They do?
A trustee is the person who administers a trust. A trust can have one trustee, two trustees, or multiple trustees. In theory the trustee is the owner of the trust assets. Trustees supervise the disposition of the trusts assets. They handle investments and, in some types of trusts, they make periodic payments to beneficiaries. Trustees must … [Read more...]
Why Have an Irrevocable Trust?
Wills, revocable trusts, and irrevocable trusts are all estate planning devices. Revocable trusts are a type of trust that can be changed, modified, or revoked at anytime. This type of trust allows you to change your mind with regard to all aspects of the terms of the trust. These trusts are very flexible. Uses of a revocable trust: 1. … [Read more...]
Who Needs a Will? You Do!
Do you have assets? Do you own a house? Have you been married more than once? Do you have children from more than one relationship? Are you concerned about what happens after your death to your spouse and/or your children? Are you single? All of the above individuals need a Will. Estate contests often develop between children from the first … [Read more...]
