Not long ago, pet trusts were thought of as little more than eccentric things that famous people did for their pets when they had too much money. These days, pet trusts are considered much more mainstream. For example, in 2016, Minnesota became the fiftieth state to legally recognize pet trusts. But, unbeknownst...
Category: Trusts
Why Snow White’s Father Should Have Had an Estate Plan
Many of us are familiar with the story of Snow White and the seven dwarfs. Central to the story is the relationship between Snow White and her stepmother. After losing his wife, the king decided to marry again to provide a motherly influence for his daughter, Snow White. While things were peaceful...
Things to Know When Planning for an Addicted Loved One
It has been said that the only thing harder than being an addict is loving one. It can be particularly difficult for a parent to bring a child into the world, full of hopes and dreams about their future, and then watch them spiral down into addiction. Having someone in your life...
What Is Next for Your Estate Plan?
Having an estate plan is a great way to ensure you and your loved ones are protected today and in the future. When creating an estate plan, we look at what is going on in your life at that time. But because life is full of changes, it is important to make...
Navigating the Fiscal Year 2025 Greenbook: Key Trust and Estate Tax Proposals
The U.S. Department of the Treasury has released its General Explanations of the Administration’s Fiscal Year 2025 Revenue Proposals. Commonly referred to as the Greenbook, this document lays out tax proposals that would support President Biden’s policy priorities if he is reelected to a second term.
A major focus...
What Can I Not Do as Trustmaker and Trustee of a Revocable Living Trust?
Wills and living trusts are two of the most fundamental estate planning documents. While both accomplish the same primary objective in an estate plan of directing the distributions of your money and property to your desired beneficiaries after you pass away, a revocable living trust, often referred to simply as a living...
Qualified Domestic Trusts: Your Jumpstart to Protecting Your Noncitizen Spouse
Married couples love each other and want the best for each other. Establishing a comprehensive estate plan is one way to provide the best for each other. Not only does an estate plan protect you when you are unable to care for yourself during your lifetime, but it also protects your hard-earned...
Shannen Doherty Understood That With Divorce, Timing Is Everything
According to a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention survey, there were more than 670,000 divorces[1] and more than 2 million marriages in 2022. Divorce is a common life event that many Americans face during their lifetime. Some states have laws that automatically end an ex-spouse’s appointment as decision-maker in...
2024 Election Results
The results from the 2024 election are in, and although we still have weeks remaining before the 119th Congress takes office and the new president is inaugurated, there is some clarity about an election that has been called the most important in our lifetime and even in US history.
Estate Planning Is a Great Way to Help You Celebrate the Holidays
It Is Time to Make Your Estate Planning List and Check It Twice
“He’s making a list. He’s checking it twice. He’s going to find out who’s naughty and nice . . . .”[1]
The estate planning process can sometimes be similar to Santa’s process. You decide who should...