Estate planning for blended families is like playing chess in three dimensions: even those who are very good at chess can struggle with so many moving parts in so many dimensions. Preparing an estate plan requires careful consideration of family dynamics, and those are multiplied in blended families. This is another reason why estate plans
“You have power over your mind—not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength.”—Marcus Aurelius. “The mind of man is capable of anything.” —Joseph Conrad. For many decades, people assumed cognitive decline was inevitable with advanced age. Medical experts said people stopped making new brain cells as adults, so when we lose cells through
It’s not uncommon for an individual to inaccurately calculate their required minimum distribution (RMD) for their account. Maybe you forgot that your brokerage firm divided the account in two and they didn’t tell you. This mistake may result in a person failing to withdraw the mandatory amount from an IRA. What can a person do
“Tax planning is one element of estate planning, and in many estates is the least important factor. The larger issue is: Who will inherit and what will they inherit?” First National Trust Update April 2015. “A man of 70 need not be always feeling, much less talking, about his approaching death, but a wise man
You’re not alone if you don’t fully understand the value and benefits that life insurance can give you as part of a retirement plan. Kiplinger’s recent article, “Don’t Overlook Advantages of Making Insurance Part of Your Retirement Plan,” says many folks see life insurance as a way to protect a family from the loss of
For many, divorce is one of the most stressful and unpleasant times in their lives. For others, it’s simply a confusing and inconvenient hurdle to get through. Whichever situation applies to you, you probably want to get things moving along as quickly and as smoothly as possible after making the decision to end your marriage.
Special needs trusts are an important part of estate planning. They are sometimes called supplemental needs trusts. They provide families with a safe, secure, and protected way to ensure the long-term care and financial well-being of their children or other loved ones with special needs. Unfortunately, issues can arise and conflicts can emerge where Special
Administrators and executors of the estate, assets, or trust of a decedent (that is, a person who has passed away) perform the same duties with respect to the will, trust, or estate that they are charged with caring for. The key difference between the two comes down to how the administrator or executor is appointed.
A proprietary lease is a complex yet common agreement between the tenants or residents of a cooperative building (a co-op) and the cooperative corporation managing and running the building. Co-ops are highly common in New York City, but living in a co-op is different from living as a tenant, resident, or owner of your own
“If there ever comes a day when we can’t be together, keep me in your heart. I’ll stay there forever.” A.A. Milne “The boundaries which divide Life from Death are at best shadowy and vague. Who shall say where the one ends, and where the other begins?” Edgar Allan Poe When one spouse dies after
