Raising a child is expensive and can cost about a quarter of a million dollars, excluding college. For a child with special needs, that cost can more than double. If you’re the parent of a child with special needs, it’s vital to ensure your child will continue to be provided for after you’re gone. It … Read more
When an individual dies, the executor is faced with an important decision that has the potential to impact the taxes owed by the estate and its heirs. The executor will have the option of valuing the estate on the date of death, or alternately, on the six-month anniversary of death – the latter is, fittingly, … Read more
In March 2020, about 804,398 new businesses had been created in the preceding year.1 All individuals pursuing the dream of exercising their entrepreneurial muscles, will face the same question, “Which business structure should I adopt?” Each strategy presents its own set of pros and cons. To complicate matters a bit, the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs … Read more
In the second quarter of 2021, more than 2,000 small businesses were sold. The median sale price was roughly $320,000, up 12% from the same time last year.1 As a business owner, ascertaining the value of your business is important for a variety of reasons, including business succession, estate tax estimates, or qualifying for a … Read more
According to the Conway Center for Family Business, family businesses account for 64% of the U.S. Gross Domestic Product (GDP), yet 57% of family businesses have no formal succession plan.1 While the number may shock you, it is not surprising that many small business owners are consumed by the myriad responsibilities of running their businesses. Nevertheless, … Read more
Many of us hope to leave something behind for our loved ones when we pass away. But the probate process is complex. To understand how to better manage potential probate fees, let’s explore what probate is and how the process works. WHAT IS PROBATE? Probate is the legal process that wraps up a person’s legal … Read more
Federal estate taxes have been a source of funding for the federal government almost since the U.S. was founded. In 1797, Congress instituted a system of federal stamps that were required on all wills offered for probate when property (land, homes) was transferred from one generation to the next. The revenue from these stamps was … Read more
Only one-third of adults have a will in place, which may not be entirely surprising. No one wants to be reminded of their own mortality or spend too much time thinking about what might happen once they’re gone.1 But a will is an instrument of power. Creating one gives you control over the distribution of … Read more
American actor Lee Marvin once said, “As soon as people see my face on a movie screen, they knew two things: first, I’m not going to get the girl, and second, I’ll get a cheap funeral before the picture is over.” Most people don’t spend too much time thinking about their own funeral, and yet … Read more
U.S. Supreme Court Justice Warren Burger is famous for more than just his time on the bench. When he died in 1995, he left a 176-word will that gave no specific power to his executors. As a result, he reportedly cost his estate tens of thousands of dollars in attorney’s fees.1 Judge Burger’s case shows … Read more
DO YOU HAVE A WILL? A will enables you to specify who you want to inherit your property and other assets. A will also enables you to name a guardian for your minor children. DO YOU HAVE HEALTHCARE DOCUMENTS IN PLACE? Healthcare documents spell out your wishes for health care if you become unable to … Read more
FINANCIAL DOCUMENTS Joint Ownership Durable Power of Attorney Living Trust What does it do? Enables you to own property jointly with another person Authorizes someone to handle legal and financial decisions if you become incapacitated Holds your belongings until your death Can it authorize someone to handle your financial affairs if you are unable … Read more
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