Blog Author: Stephen C. Hartnett, J.D., LL.M. (Tax), Director of Education, American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys, Inc. This is the first in a three-part series on the taxation of trusts. The first part reviews how a trust can be “substantially owned” by someone, i.e., what is commonly known among Estate Planning or Trusts & Estates attorneys as a “grantor trust.” It will also look at the advantages of using a grantor trust. The second article in the series will examine the … [Read more...] about Advantages of Using a “Grantor Trust” in Planning
Dangers of Do-It-Yourself Estate Planning
Blog Author: Stephen C. Hartnett, J.D., LL.M. (Tax), Director of Education, American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys, Inc. Occasionally, those who aren’t Estate Planning attorneys will attempt to do their own Estate Planning. They think they can find a document online or use a friend’s document and can figure it out. Unfortunately, there are many pitfalls one could run across. Let’s look at three of these pitfalls which one must sidestep. Bill and Mary had a house worth $500,000, an … [Read more...] about Dangers of Do-It-Yourself Estate Planning
It’s Important to Have a Coordinated Estate Plan
Blog Author: Stephen C. Hartnett, J.D., LL.M. (Tax), Director of Education, American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys, Inc. An Estate Plan includes various different moving parts. The Revocable Trust may be the keystone of the plan, but it’s important to consider how the other parts of the plan will work with…or against…the plan. Let’s look at a simple example. John had three children and he wished to leave his assets to them equally. He had $6 million in various assets. John hired an … [Read more...] about It’s Important to Have a Coordinated Estate Plan
Attorneys Justin M. Kennedy and Maggie A. LaBranch-Gonzales Selected as 2021 California Rising Stars
Attorneys Justin M. Kennedy and Maggie A. LaBranch-Gonzales have been selected to the 2021 California Rising Stars list. This is an exclusive list, recognizing no more than 2.5 percent of the lawyers in the state. This is the 3rd year that Justin and Maggie have received this honor. 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 … [Read more...] about Attorneys Justin M. Kennedy and Maggie A. LaBranch-Gonzales Selected as 2021 California Rising Stars
Estate Planning Conference Discusses “For the 99.5% Act,” SECURE, and More
Blog Author: Stephen C. Hartnett, J.D., LL.M. (Tax), Director of Education, American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys, Inc. The Heckerling conference in Estate Planning is the country’s largest professional gathering in Estate Planning. The conference examines many areas of interest to Estate Planning and Elder Law professionals. It pays particular attention to items of current interest. Last year’s conference was in January 2020, shortly before the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. … [Read more...] about Estate Planning Conference Discusses “For the 99.5% Act,” SECURE, and More
Why Should You Hire an Estate Planning Attorney to Prepare Your Estate Plan? (VIDEO)
In this Vlog, Attorney Maggie A. LaBranch-Gonzales discusses the importance and advantages of hiring an estate planning attorney to prepare your estate plan. … [Read more...] about Why Should You Hire an Estate Planning Attorney to Prepare Your Estate Plan? (VIDEO)
Why Do You Need an Estate Plan?
Estate planning is one of the core responsibilities of adulthood, but many people completely ignore the subject. The truth is, most of us don't want to think about death and that causes many people to put off estate planning until they are old and gray. We recommend a more proactive, systematic approach. If you put estate planning off indefinitely, you may never get around to it, and people die intestate every day. Plus, there are details that should be addressed to plan your estate in the … [Read more...] about Why Do You Need an Estate Plan?
Beneficiary Designations and the SECURE Act: Prior Designations
Blog Author: Stephen C. Hartnett, J.D., LL.M. (Tax), Director of Education, American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys, Inc. Clients spend lots of time, money, and energy planning their estates. Estate Planning attorneys help them by counseling these clients and preparing various documents to meet the goals of the client, such as a Will or Trust. An increasing part of American wealth is governed by beneficiary designations. According to Statista, Americans had over $32 trillion in … [Read more...] about Beneficiary Designations and the SECURE Act: Prior Designations
Beneficiary Designations and the SECURE Act: Eligible Designated Beneficiaries
Blog Author: Stephen C. Hartnett, J.D., LL.M. (Tax), Director of Education, American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys, Inc. Clients spend lots of time, money, and energy planning their estates. Estate Planning attorneys help them by counseling these clients and preparing various documents to meet the goals of the client, such as a Will or Trust. An increasing part of American wealth is governed by beneficiary designations. According to Statista, Americans had over $32 trillion in … [Read more...] about Beneficiary Designations and the SECURE Act: Eligible Designated Beneficiaries
Beneficiary Designations and the SECURE Act Basics
Blog Author: Stephen C. Hartnett, J.D., LL.M. (Tax), Director of Education, American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys, Inc. Clients spend lots of time, money, and energy planning their estates. Estate Planning attorneys help them by counseling these clients and preparing various documents to meet the goals of the client, such as a Will or Trust. An increasing part of American wealth is governed by beneficiary designations. According to Statista, Americans had over $32 trillion in … [Read more...] about Beneficiary Designations and the SECURE Act Basics
