Estate Planning

Fix Your Outdated Living Trust Now! By Tasha Jahn, Attorney-at-Law Remember that Living Trust you created five or ten years ago? I’m sorry to tell you it was just the beginning. Since then, your family probably changed, your assets certainly changed, and believe me, the tax laws changed a lot. That means the Estate Plan that’s been sitting quietly in your drawer all this time has likely...

Eight Steps for New Trustees by James L. Cunningham Jr., Attorney at Law I realize that you have just faced the difficult truth of a loved one passing away. Unfortunately, I must tell you that another difficult truth awaits: If you were named as the Trustee of an estate, it can be more than a little stressful going through a loved one’s things, finding their financials and deeds, paying their...

The CARES Act was passed in March 2020. The legislation provided economic relief in various forms— one of these forms was to provide relief to those who use tax favored retirement accounts. Many of our clients’ largest asset are their IRAs and 401(k)s. For years, when someone turned 70 ½, they would be forced to take a distribution from their IRA / 401(k) and pay taxes on that...

Estate planning for families is more important than ever during the Coronavirus pandemic. This week we would like to highlight the importance of getting your plan in place if you have minor or special needs children. Parents need to have their foundational estate planning documents including a revocable living trust, powers of attorney and advanced health care directives. However, plans need...

The Coronavirus outbreak has shaken the world. Financial planning and estate planning have become a central focus for those concerned that they, or someone they care for, will contract the virus and—potentially—lose control of their affairs.  Many clients’ largest asset are their IRAs and 401(k)s. For years, when someone turned 70 ½, they would be forced to take a distribution from their...

In the month, Coronavirus has swept the United States. Naturally, estate planning has become a central focus for most people. It’s important to make sure your plan is up to date.  We have had clients call our office—concerned about their plans—concerned they aren’t properly prepared. We would like to share eight tips for your estate plan during these next few months: Make sure you know where...

Coronavirus (COVID-19) has changed the world. The first case was confirmed on January 20,—a thirty-five year old man who had returned home from Wuhan, China. On January 31st, President Trump declared a public health emergency. By March 12th, there were over 1000 cases in the United States. On March 19th, that number had grown to 10,000 cases in the United States. The United States has...

Retirement planning is one of the most important financial goals for your future. When done right, you’ll be assured freedom and financial independence for later in life. When done wrong, you’re facing a future full of stress and worry. To avoid this outcome, consider the ten worst retirement planning mistakes below, and make moves now to avoid them! #1. Not Having a Retirement Plan in Place...

On January 1, 2020, the SECURE Act (Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement) went into effect. The bill is the most significant reform to retirement legislation in decades and dramatically changes how your IRA and retirement benefits are treated post-death. The most immediate impact of the bill will be felt by those nearing or in retirement.  For most people, a retirement account...

You or your loved one may be at a point in life where you’re considering moving into an assisted living facility. This choice requires a significant investment, so it’s important to pick one that’s ideal for you. To help you make that choice, we’ve included the right questions to ask when choosing an assisted living facility below. #1. Does it meet my needs? Think about what you or your loved...