These reports, published by the American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys, cover a wide range of subjects specific to the estate planning matters. Click on a report title to read more or to order a complimentary copy.
Asset
Protection: Reducing Risk, Promoting Peace of Mind
Every American adult shares a dubious characteristic—each is
a walking litigation target. Part of your birthright is that you may be sued
at any time, for any reason, and for any amount.
Charity
Begins at Home: The Charitable Remainder Trust
Americans are some of the most generous givers on the face of the planet.
They reach into their pockets and take out their checkbooks on behalf of others
more often than any other industrialized nation. It’s quite possible
that tax breaks are one reason why.
Estate Planning with Individual Retirement Accounts (IRA's)
At first glance, the concept of an Individual Retirement Account (IRA) seems simple enough: a structured way to save for your golden years while deferring taxes on your growing nest egg. Unfortunately, that simple idea becomes one of the most complex areas of estate planning once IRS rules are applied. That means that not only must an estate planner consider estate tax reduction techniques, but also the amazingly complicated income tax rules the IRS has issued in its Proposed Regulations. Do not let the term "proposed" concern you. The agency issued the Proposed Regulations in 1987 and has told taxpayers they may rely on the rules until Final Regulations are issued. This report is intended to provide general guidance on the income and estate tax considerations involved. It is not intended as legal advice. Only an analysis of a client's particular financial and family considerations provides a sufficient foundation for an estate planner to make appropriate planning recommendations.
Getting The Most Out of Your Life Insurance: The Irrevocable Life Insurance Trust
If you own life insurance, congratulations. Sadly, most of us put off this critical element in our family's financial planning, which may have devastating consequences on the loved ones left behind.
Living Trusts: Calculating the Benefits
Chances are, you've already heard a lot about the attributes of Living Trusts: avoiding probate and legal quagmires, sometimes lowering estate and/or income taxes and protecting privacy. Yet it's also important to receive solid estate planning guidance before making final decisions, and to carefully weigh the benefits and potential drawbacks.
Planning
It Right the Second Time Around
One thing should be clear by now: we do our families and ourselves a great
disservice when we fail to plan for every contingency. That’s why a
crucial first step in this entire process should be a consultation with an
estate planning attorney. He or she will help you evaluate your family’s
needs and financial situation, and will draft a comprehensive estate plan
that may include such tools as a Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care
and Revocable Living Trust.
Protecting
Your Assets with the Family Limited Partnership
Are you worried about being sued? Well, you should be. It is reported that
there are 18 million lawsuits in the United States each year. However, that
isn't the whole story. Have you ever heard of the "deep pocket"
syndrome? The deep pocket syndrome means that the person claiming to have
been harmed files a suit against anyone even marginally connected with the
incident.
The Nightmare of Living Probate
For most of our lives the greatest risk to our well-being isn't death. It's the ever-growing likelihood of becoming seriously ill or injured.
The
Trouble with Joint Tenancy
Joint tenancy ownership of property is sometimes used as a substitute for
an effective estate plan. Is this a good idea? Read this article to find out.
To My Dog Lucky, I Leave $10,000
If you have a dog, cat or other pet, you know that the unconditional love
and affection our pets devote to us improve the quality of our lives in ways
nothing else can. This is why they deserve our respect and dedication even
after we pass away or become incapacitated. Unfortunately, if a pet owner
becomes unable to care for his or her pets they often end up living on the
street. Thousands of pets are orphaned every year in the United States. To
prevent your pets from adding to this sad statistic, you need to plan now
for their care in the future.
