Author Archives: admin
The Importance of the “Durable Power of Attorney”
I have read others’ opinions implying the relative lack of importance of the Durable Power of Attorney for asset management (“DPOA”) as an estate planning tool — as if it were somehow a “throwaway” or an “extra” document. Even in … Continue reading
An Alzheimer’s/Chronic Stress Link?
It seems like there is a new study every few months concerning the causes of Alzheimer’s disease. However, this new study from the University of Kuopio in Finland, reported in the U.K. Express, suggests that lifestyle may be a significant … Continue reading
Some giving is tax free
This blog and so many others dwell on taxes, and how to avoid them. It is easy to forget that the gift of our time is tax free – and can be a much more meaningful gift than money. Joplin, … Continue reading
Gift Tax Audits?
There is a new reason to take the necessity of filing gift tax returns seriously. Not only are filing returns legally required, but the IRS is in the process of major compliance crackdown, which began in California at the end … Continue reading
Consumer Reports Examines Legal Estate Planning Software
Consumer Reports examined three software and internet products, concluding that buyers should beware, reporting that “among the problems we found in one or more of these products: outdated information, insufficient customization, incompleteness, inability to handle some tax issues, and lack of flexibility.” … Continue reading
Thoughts on Using Internet Legal Estate Planning Services
I recently had a prospective client ask: “Why should I hire you, when I can go to an internet service and obtain a trust?” This was a good question – one which deserves a fairly involved answer. I realize that … Continue reading
Tax Deal in the Offing
I have posted periodically about the estate tax, which is set to return next year with an individual exclusion of $1 million. However, as part of the tax negotiations between Congress and the President, it appears that there may be … Continue reading
End of Year Planning
There are a number of “quick and dirty” ways to do some year end estate planning to minimize tax liability — especially if you need to get assets out of your estate or if you would simply like to gift … Continue reading
Wills, Trusts & Planes, Trains & Automobiles…
Estate planning is a very different type of legal practice. Unlike defending or filing a lawsuit – your concern is not compensation or protecting yourself from a perhaps non meritorious legal matter. Instead, you are doing something most of us … Continue reading
On the Estate Planning "Conversation"
I have seen a wide range of attitudes among clients. Without getting into too much detail, I have seen everything from gratitude to suspicion. I realize that many clients are sometimes pulled into an estate planning meeting unwillingly — by … Continue reading