Wills

Britney Spears Court Case Brings Conservatorship to the National Stage

Estate planning often makes the news when wealthy celebrities die and leave behind messy multi-million dollar estates. Over the last few weeks, however, estate law is making headlines thanks to pop music icon Britney Spears and her highly controversial conservatorship. Ms. Spears, who is 39 years old, is petitioning the court to release her from […]

Maryland is Considering Transfer on Death Deeds - Are TODs Right for You?

A common method of avoiding probate for real estate (in states that allow it) is the creation of a Transfer on Death (“TOD”) Deed. Virginia, Washington, D.C. currently allow for TOD Deeds. Maryland does not, however, in this session of the Maryland legislature, the topic is being discussed. This method of transferring real estate upon death […]

What to Look Out for in Estate Planning

President Biden plans to move forward with his proposed changes to our tax laws. If passed, the legislation will be the first major tax hike since 1993. Recent Tax Law History In 1993, President Bill Clinton signed The Tax Reform Act of 1993 into law which was aimed at reducing the federal deficit through increased taxes and […]

Are Holographic Wills Valid? The Latest in Larry King's Estate Drama

Legendary television and radio host, Larry King, passed away at the end of January after a battle with COVID-19. He was 87 years old at the time of his death and had been in the midst of divorcing his seventh wife, Shawn King. Early reports indicated that the couple had done an estate plan together […]

When It Comes to Estate Planning Documents, Words Matter. Every. Single. One.

Estate planning is all about drafting legal documents that factor in a clients' unique goals, familial situation, and assets. Each and every word in these documents carries a tremendous amount of power, and therefore responsibility. The words written in Wills and Trusts are often enforced or litigated years or decades later, many times after the […]

Tech Entrepreneur Worth an Estimated $1 Billion Dies Without a Will

Former Zappos CEO Tony Hsieh died in house fire last month. The tech entrepreneur was 46 years old, worth a reported $1 billion, and didn't have a will. We've heard this story before. Wealthy public figures like Prince, Aretha Franklin, and Sonny Bono all died without having wills in place, despite their massive estates. And […]

Estate Planning After the 2020 Election and During COVID 19 Presented by Gary Altman

Gary Altman, founder of the estate planning law firm, Altman & Associates, had the opportunity to present to the National Capital Area Financial Planning Association during their July 2020 Virtual Symposium. The topic was Estate Planning Post COVID and the 2020 Election.

New FINRA Rule Limits Financial Advisor's Ability to Serve as Trustee or Fiduciary for Client

Clients often ask me if they can appoint their financial advisor/planner to be their Trustee, Power of Attorney, or Personal Representative (Executor). My response is that it may be a conflict of interest. Moreover, some firms prohibit their financial advisors from serving in these roles, so I tell clients to check with their financial advisor […]

URGENT Tax & Estate Planning Opportunities to Consider Before the End of 2020!

Most of us can’t wait for this nasty year to come to a close. As we look ahead to the New Year, however, it is important to remember that, given the results of the 2020 election, the Tax Cuts and Job Act of 2017 enacted by the Trump Administration will likely expire. This year, 2020, […]

Tax Considerations & Estate Planning Opportunities to Consider Before the End of 2020 (Part 2 of 2)

As indicated in Part 1 of our series, Tax Considerations & Estate Planning Opportunities to Consider Before the End of 2020, President-Elect Joe Biden's plans include higher tax rates that will affect wealthy individuals and businesses. His proposed tax policy includes the removal of the favorable tax exemptions included in the Tax Cuts and Job […]

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