Blog Author: Stephen C. Hartnett, J.D., LL.M. (Tax), Director of Education,American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys, Inc.When we think of income taxes, we think of how much we earn. But, another aspect of income tax is the gain or loss on assets. Income tax basis is central to how assets are taxed in the United States. This is the first of a series on income tax basis. This blog will examine income tax basis, how you get it, and how it gets adjusted. The next article will look at how … [Read more...]
Litherland, Kennedy & Associates – Why We Walk to Help End Alzheimer’s
On Saturday, October 12th, our law firm team will be walking in the 2019 Walk to End Alzheimer's. Following is the story of why our geriatric care manager, Dedra Jize, is walking.I have been working with families who have been afflicted with Alzheimer’s for almost 10 years. I have seen the emotional stress and the financial strain it puts on families, especially for spouses. When families get the support they need, the journey becomes more reasonable, especially for those who desire … [Read more...]
American Academy Awards Fellow Designation to Justin M. Kennedy – Kennedy Recognized for Outstanding Achievement in Experience and Service
SAN DIEGO, CA – [August 16, 2019] – The American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys [AAEPA] announced that Estate Planning Attorney Justin M. Kennedy of Litherland, Kennedy & Associates, APC, Attorneys at Law, has been awarded the Academy Fellow designation. The Fellow program recognizes Academy Members who demonstrate advanced expertise and significant practical experience in the total estate planning, trust, tax planning, probate and estate administration fields.“Our Members already … [Read more...]
Making Trusts More Flexible
Blog Author: Stephen C. Hartnett, J.D., LL.M. (Tax), Director of Education,American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys, Inc.In the past, trusts often were drafted with little flexibility. Now, more and more, trusts tend to be drafted with more flexibility and there are even ways to change “irrevocable” trusts. This is the first of a three-part series. This first part examines ways of building flexibility into a trust. The second part examines using Trust Protectors to add flexibility to a … [Read more...]
Planning is Critical
Blog Author: Stephen C. Hartnett, J.D., LL.M. (Tax), Director of Education,American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys, Inc.Sometimes people seem to think that if they don’t plan for death, it just won’t happen. In fact, 58% of American adults have no will, no trust, and no estate plan at all, according to a recent study by Caring.com. Unfortunately, whether you plan for it or not, death is inevitable.If you have no plan, your state of residence has a plan for you, it’s called … [Read more...]
Attorneys Justin M. Kennedy and Magdalena A. LaBranch-Gonzales Selected as 2019 California Rising Stars
Attorneys Justin M. Kennedy and Magdalena A. LaBranch-Gonzales have been selected to the 2019 California Rising Stars list. This is an exclusive list, recognizing no more than 2.5 percent of the lawyers in the state.Super Lawyers, part of Thomson Reuters, is a rating service of outstanding lawyers from more than 70 practice areas who have attained a high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement. The annual selections are made using a patented multiphase process, which results … [Read more...]
The Little Things May be the Most Important
Blog Author: Stephen C. Hartnett, J.D., LL.M. (Tax), Director of Education,American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys, Inc.Often, the smallest things have the most sentimental value. Your grandmother’s silverware or your grandfather’s railroad watch could connect you to them in a special way. Your mother’s ring or your father’s Boyscout bugle could hold a special place in your heart. Your sports memorabilia could connect you to one of your children in a unique way. You may want those … [Read more...]
Tax Tips after New Year
Blog Author: Stephen C. Hartnett, J.D., LL.M. (Tax), Director of Education,American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys, Inc.The ball has dropped in Times Square and we’ve bid farewell to 2018. But there are still a few things we can do to adjust our tax liability for 2018 before filing tax returns on April 15.First, you’ll need to organize all your tax records. That way, you’ll have some idea of what your tax liability might be. After you’ve organized your tax records, if you find you … [Read more...]
