More than 10,000 people turn 65 in the U.S. every day according to Aging.gov (http://www.hhs.gov/aging/), a new website recently launched by the Obama administration. The goal of this website is to act as gateway for older Americans and their families, friends and caregivers to locate Continue reading →

If you have created a dynasty trust that you intend to last for decades into the future, choosing the right trustee is critical to the trust’s longevity and ultimate success.

Initially you may think that a family member, such as a sibling (‘Uncle Bill’ to your children, who are the Continue reading →

As of July 1, 2015, Connecticut probate courts earned the dubious distinction of charging the highest probate fees in the U.S. Amazingly, the Connecticut legislature voted to completely cut general fund support for the state’s probate courts for the next two fiscal years, thereby Continue reading →

Recently the IRS issued the final rules governing the ‘portability election’ as it relates to the federal estate tax exemption. Married couples need to understand how these final rules may affect their existing estate plans, while recent widows and widowers need to understand how Continue reading →

With cases of financial exploitation of the elderly on the rise, advisors who work with older clients are looking for ways to head off the abuse before it happens. Enter the ‘Emergency Contact Authorization Form,’ a document in which clients can list a trusted person who should be Continue reading →

While approximately 10,000 cases are appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court each year, only 75 to 80 make it to oral argument. Of those cases, only a handful grab the media’s attention. Below is a summary of three landmark decisions handed down in 2015 that could affect how you are taxed, Continue reading →

Due to the increased volume of federal estate tax return filings in order to make the ‘portability election,’ the IRS has announced that estate tax closing letters will only be issued upon request by the taxpayer. This change in IRS policy started on June 1, 2015.

What is the ‘Portability Continue reading →

Like any other complex subject, estate planning has its share of myths and misconceptions. Understanding the top three estate planning myths will help you to create and maintain a plan that will work the way you expect it to work when it’s needed.

Estate Planning Myth #1 – You Don’t Continue reading →

Death taxes are back in the news at the federal level as well as in Delaware and Minnesota.

What Happened to the Death Tax Repeal Act of 2015?
Back in February and March of 2015, identical bills calling for repeal of the federal estate tax and generation-skipping transfer tax were Continue reading →

You may be surprised to learn that not only has asset protection planning been around for a long time, but you have already engaged in it at some point during your life. In fact, you probably have one or more types of traditional asset protection planning in place at this very moment. Continue reading →