Experienced trusts and estates attorneys consistently observe how proper planning can mean the difference between a thriving legacy and a fragmented enterprise. For family-owned life insurance businesses, the stakes are...more
A supplemental needs trust (SNT) is an important estate planning tool for those with a special needs child. It ensures that your special needs child is taken care of after you are gone. Unlike other types of trusts, assets...more
There is a common misconception that life insurance benefits are not subject to estate tax. While the proceeds of a life insurance policy are not taxable income to the beneficiaries, they are part of a person’s taxable estate...more
With the prospect of estate tax exemptions going down and estate tax rates going up, it’s a good time to consider using life insurance as a hedge against potential estate taxes. One way to do that is to add an Irrevocable...more
With the prospect of estate tax exemptions going down and estate tax rates going up, life insurance is being considered again to cover potential estate taxes. One way to use life insurance as a “hedge” against estate taxes is...more
At this time, unless Congress acts, the current lifetime estate tax exemption amount of $11,580,000 is set to sunset in 2025, which means that in 2026 it will revert to $5,000,000 per person, adjusted for inflation. Many...more
Estate planning for families who have children with special needs is similar to general family estate planning. The key, however, is to make sure that any funds or other assets put aside for a child or adult who is receiving,...more
It is common that one of the largest assets in a family business owner’s estate is his or her interest in the family business. This situation can be problematic because the owner’s interest in the company is included in the...more