Here’s a brief glance at what you’ll find in The Estate Planner September/October 2016.
Asset protection: Preserving wealth for yourself and your heirs
There are many techniques available to protect one’s assets, from giving them to loved ones to placing them in offshore trusts. Regardless of what strategy is used, the key is to start planning now. The earlier one implements asset protection, the more effective it will be. This article discusses risk assessment and reviews both basic and sophisticated asset protection strategies, while a sidebar cautions against violating fraudulent transfer laws.
Do you need to file a gift or estate tax return?
If one has made substantial gifts to loved ones, or is the executor of someone’s estate, it’s important to understand the rules surrounding gift and estate tax returns. Determining whether one needs to file a return can be confusing, and in some cases it’s advisable to file a return even if it’s not required. This article explains the rules of filing a gift or estate tax return.
Of sound mind: Take steps now to minimize the chance of a contested will after death
Regardless of how harmonious a family may be during one’s life, there’s always a chance that a disgruntled family member may challenge an estate plan after the estate owner’s death. This article defines “undue influence” and details steps to take to avoid undue influence claims.
If an estate plan includes a revocable trust — also known as a “living” trust — it’s critical to ensure that the trust is properly funded. Revocable trusts offer significant benefits, including asset management and probate avoidance. But these benefits aren’t available if the trust isn’t funded. This brief article explains how to fund a revocable trust.
Estate Planning Red Flag:You haven’t substantiated your charitable gifts
If an estate plan includes a revocable trust — also known as a “living” trust — it’s critical to ensure that the trust is properly funded. Revocable trusts offer significant benefits, including asset management and probate avoidance. But these benefits aren’t available if the trust isn’t funded. This brief article explains how to fund a revocable trust.
Recent Comments