Blog - "Altman Speaks"

Delaware - The First State to Re-Enact Estate Tax

In response to a budget crisis, the Delaware Legislature and Governor reinstated into Law the Delaware Estate Tax for people dying on or after July 1, 2009. This new tax will be tied to the federal state death tax as it existed in January 2001 and applies to estates of $3.5 million or more. After […]

Guardianship: Lessons to Be Learned from the Jackson Case

Now that the untimely death of Michael Jackson is turning into a custody battle brewing between the Jackson Family, the biological Mother of his children and possibly the Nanny, I believe it is important opportunity to mention how essential it is that parents name guardians for their children in the event of incapacity or death. […]

Michael Jackson’s Estate…What a Mess.

Charitable gift annuities allow donors to make a tax-deductible contribution and, in exchange, receive regular payments for the rest of their lives. Ideally, about half the initial gift remains with the charity when the donor dies. For donors 65 or older, gift annuities might seem like a smart option because they can yield between 5.3% […]

Where Estate and Income Taxes Meet - Don’t Pay More Than Necessary!

A financial advisor contacted me recently regarding one of her clients. A widow died in 2006, leaving her estate to her daughter. Her estate included US Savings bonds of $350,000, of which $280,000 was interest which she had never paid tax on. The daughter had the bonds changed to her name, thereby deferring the income […]

"Estate Planning for a Boomer's Best Friend" – Gary Altman Explains How a Pet Trust Can Protect Your Feathered, Finned or Furred Friends

In a contribution to Boomer-Living.com, dog-lover and estate planner, Gary Altman, describes the peace of mind that a pet trust can bring to pet owners. “Do any of your closest friends have feathers, fins or fur? Are you also responsible for their room, board and ongoing veterinary care? Consider this: If something untoward were to […]

Gary Altman Warns of the Dangers in DIY (“Do-It-Yourself”) Estate Planning

Gary Altman has a bone to pick with Susie Orman, Legal Zoom, and other people/programs pushing “Do-It-Yourself-style legal programs. As a veteran estate planning attorney, Gary knows that attempting to draft one’s own estate planning documents (wills, trusts, power of attorneys, etc.) is a recipe for disaster and can result in paying significantly higher estate […]

Federal Estate Tax May Remain at 2009 Levels

I have heard that members of a House and Senate negotiating committee have worked out a compromise on estate tax reform. While details are still not know, it appears that the estate tax would be kept permanently at the 2009 levels. This means that individuals could exempt $3.5-million from Federal estate taxes and a couple, […]

"Triple Witching Hour" – What You Should Know About This Estate Planning Phenomenon

In an article for Fenton Report, Gary Altman Sheds Light on Estate Planning’s “Triple Witching Hour” – the convergence of three different events – favorable interest rates, depressed asset values, and a potentially limited timeframe to continue receiving higher valuation discounts – resulting in an exceptional opportunity to realize greater lifetime gifting/wealth transfer potential.

Planning for Pets: Maryland Authorizes Statutory Pet Trusts

Great news and information for anyone interested in including their pets into their estate plan! This April, Governor O’Malley signed into law HB 149, which will allow statutory pet trusts in the State of Maryland. Key Components of HB 149 (These provisions apply only to pet trusts created on or after October 1, 2009.) The animal […]

"Word of Caution When it Comes to Gifting 529 Plans" – Gary Altman Cautions 529 Gifters to Have a Thorough and Current Estate Plan

In a contribution to Boomer-Living.com, Gary Altman leverages his financial planning credentials alongside his estate planning expertise to caution people of how improper estate planning can potentially wipe out investment funds such as 529 College Savings Plans. “It's spring and the promising sounds of "Pomp and Circumstance" will soon fill graduation halls across the country […]

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Recent Posts

Delaware - The First State to Re-Enact Estate Tax

Guardianship: Lessons to Be Learned from the Jackson Case

Michael Jackson’s Estate…What a Mess.

Where Estate and Income Taxes Meet - Don’t Pay More Than Necessary!

"Estate Planning for a Boomer's Best Friend" – Gary Altman Explains How a Pet Trust Can Protect Your Feathered, Finned or Furred Friends

Gary Altman Warns of the Dangers in DIY (“Do-It-Yourself”) Estate Planning

Federal Estate Tax May Remain at 2009 Levels

"Triple Witching Hour" – What You Should Know About This Estate Planning Phenomenon

Planning for Pets: Maryland Authorizes Statutory Pet Trusts

"Word of Caution When it Comes to Gifting 529 Plans" – Gary Altman Cautions 529 Gifters to Have a Thorough and Current Estate Plan

« Previous 1 … 70 71 72 73 74 … 77 Next »