Many of us hesitate to change professional relationships, especially regarding legal matters. I often meet people who feel "tied" to their original estate planning attorney, even when that relationship no longer serves their needs.Read More

One of the most frequent questions I hear is, "Is my estate large enough to justify a living trust?" Behind this question often lies a deeper concern: "Am I making the right choice for my family's future?" Let me share something that might surprise you – the size of your estate is just one small...Read More

You've carefully built your retirement savings over decades, but did you know that once inherited, these accounts could be vulnerable to creditors? As an estate lawyer, I've seen too many families surprised when inherited retirement accounts they thought were protected were exposed to legal claims.Read More

Regarding trusts and taxation, three main types of taxes often come up: income taxes, estate taxes, and generation-skipping taxes. For this discussion, we’ll focus solely on how trusts are taxed for income tax purposes, as this is often the most relevant and frequently misunderstood aspect of trust taxation.Read More

When a child with disabilities receives a personal injury settlement, parents often face a crucial decision: how to manage these funds without jeopardizing essential government benefits. I've helped many families protect their children's financial future through Supplemental Needs trusts, particularly after receiving personal injury settlements.Read More

You might be thinking, “QTIP? Quality Tip?” It sounds like a product for your ears, but a QTIP Trust actually stands for Qualified Terminable Interest Property Trust. Despite its complex name, it’s a highly useful estate planning tool that helps balance the financial needs of a spouse while preserving assets for future beneficiaries—often children. Let’s...Read More

I’ve seen firsthand the consequences of inadequate estate planning. Many parents overlook crucial aspects of securing their family’s future regardless of age. Whether you’re a new parent, think you’re too young for estate planning or haven’t updated your documents in years, this post is for you. Let’s explore some common estate planning mistakes and how to...Read More

Understanding the tools available for managing your estate is crucial when planning for the future. Two common tools in estate planning are revocable and irrevocable trusts. Both types of trusts help individuals manage their assets during their lifetimes and provide for the distribution of these assets after death. However, each type of trust serves different...Read More

As we round out another election season, focusing on how government policies might affect our families and finances is natural. However, as any experienced estate planning lawyer will tell you, a crucial aspect of your family’s future remains constant regardless of who’s in office: the need for a personalized estate plan. The Government’s Default Plan Here’s...Read More

Inheriting an asset can be a mixed blessing. While it might signify a meaningful bequest from a loved one, it also comes with its own tax implications. One of the most significant tax features to understand when inheriting property is the “step-up in basis”. We often encounter clients who are unaware or confused about how...Read More