Ruling from the Grave

I just read a recent Wall Street Journal article titled, “Trying to Control Your Heir’s Behavior from the Grave Often Backfires.” It was a short read, but it raised a number of issues for me. Here are some of my thoughts: Powder keg of emotions I think the article misses a major point. Most of… Read More »

Grantor-Retained Annuity Trust Works Well With Stocks

This article is Part of a series exploring the various types of trusts that may benefit you. Today’s topic is Grantor-Retained Annuity Trusts (GRAT). Do you own stock, especially stock in a start-up company? If so, a Grantor-Retained Annuity Trust might be right for you. The GRAT is an irrevocable trust that transfers wealth without… Read More »

Irrevocable Trusts Protect Loved Ones Assets

This article is part of a series exploring the various types of trusts that may benefit you. Today’s topic is irrevocable trusts. Signing away ownership of assets can feel antithetical to you when you start to think about creating an estate plan that gives you control of what happens to your accumulated assets and meets… Read More »

Should Jointly Held Assets Go Into a Trust?

We’re often asked by new clients whether they should put jointly held property into a revocable trust (a.k.a. living trust). The answer is often yes. However, what ends up going into that trust depends on the structure by which the assets are held jointly by the client, as well as the structure of the trust… Read More »

Do Trustees Have a Duty to Decant?

The irrevocable trust is a powerful protection tool. If written properly by an experienced estate planning attorney, it can secure your wealth and property for intended loved ones for generations to come. But you can’t anticipate everything – including whether an heir will divorce and possibly expose a large portion of trust assets to an… Read More »

Estate Plans Aren’t Just About Avoiding Probate

Avoiding probate, reducing taxes, providing for heirs, and protecting a family business. These are the more popular reasons that most clients share when they start talking about why they want to establish an estate plan. However, there are several other less-discussed reasons that might prompt you to establish an estate plan. Recently, WealthManagement.com published an… Read More »