Parents and other family members who want to pass on assets during their lifetimes may be tempted to gift the assets.  Although setting up an irrevocable trust lacks the simplicity of giving a gift, it may be a better way to preserve assets for the future. A trust is...
Most people want to pass their assets to their children or grandchildren, but naming minors as beneficiaries can have unintended consequences. It is important to make a plan that doesn’t involve leaving assets directly to a minor. There are two main problems with...
How Do I File for a Guardianship? No one wants to see a loved one become unable to make decisions for him or herself. If this happens, however, the court may appoint a substitute decision maker, often called a “guardian,” but in some states called a...
The Britney Spears guardianship case has brought national attention to the legal framework surrounding guardianships and the need for reforms to better protect individual rights. While a full guardianship may be necessary for many individuals who are incapable of...
With the federal estate tax exemption possibly about to be lowered, it may be time to think about steps you can take to keep your estate from being taxed. An irrevocable life insurance trust allows you to pass on money to your heirs while avoiding both the federal...
Summer is winding down and if you are one of the lucky ones, you got to spend some time at a family vacation home. How do you make sure your children and grandchildren can enjoy that second home as much as you did? The question for owners of vacation homes in planning...
