Articles list
5 Easy Tips to Simplify Your Charitable Giving
Will you be donating to charities this year? The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) reminds us that you must itemize deductions on Schedule A of your tax return to…
Unveiling the Impact of Charitable Giving
We are fast approaching the end of the year, when a lot of us will make a charitable gift. In the news, we had “Giving Tuesday,” and Tech Billionaire Michael…
Avoiding a Trustee’s Personal Liability for Estate Taxes
Trustees often assume they primarily manage and distribute trust assets according to the trust. While that is mainly true, one critical issue can turn a…
What To Do if Your Trustee Is Unresponsive
A trustee has a duty under the law to communicate with beneficiaries and keep them informed as to the progress of the trust administration. Depending on your…
The Estate of Richard Simmons
Fitness icon Richard Simmons, known for his flamboyant personality, high energy, and trademark attire, passed away in July 2024 following a fall at his Los…
Estate Planning for Expatriates
The United States hosts the highest number of immigrants in the world, but increasingly, Americans say they are looking to relocate permanently to another…
Decanting: How to Fix a Trust That Is Not Getting Better with Age
In the previous blog, we wrote about amending trusts. The next two blogs will delve more into the why, when, and how of decanting. Many people do not know that…
Estate Tax Returns - Not as Scary as They Sound
Tax issues are one of the many front-and-center issues when an individual dies. For most individuals who pass away, a final income tax return must be filed…
What Is HEMS and Why Is It Included in So Many Trusts?
In estate planning, you may come across the acronym HEMS occasionally. HEMS stands for “health, education, maintenance, or support” and is often included in…
Hiring a Professional to Be Your Trustee
I am often asked during the estate planning process by clients, whom do we name as trustee? Choosing a trustee to manage your estate is one of the most…
