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...]
