Continuing education is a tradition that many families are proud to pass onto each successive generation. For grandparents who want to leave a legacy to their grandchildren, the gift of a 529 college savings plan is an option. A 529 plan account can not only help a grandchild with educational expenses, it can also help grandparents with […]
Parents strive to make their children feel equally valued as reflected in the fact that, when setting up an estate plan, parents typically divide their accounts and property equally among their children. But while parents strive to treat their children the same, they simultaneously acknowledge that children have different needs at different times. And these needs […]
For many people, the thought of doing any estate planning strikes fear into their hearts. It can be uncomfortable to even consider the possibility of no longer being able to manage your own affairs, let alone no longer being alive. For far too many people, this causes them to put off the crucial task of estate […]
Studies estimate that 70 percent of family wealth is lost by the end of the second generation and 90 percent by the end of the third generation.[1] To help your loved ones avoid becoming part of this multigenerational wealth transfer statistic, you need to educate and update your family about your wealth transfer goals and the plan […]
Despite what some believe, children born to unmarried parents are commonplace. Historically, children in this category have been treated poorly by both society and the law. In many cases, they had no right to inherit from either parent. This legal scheme eventually changed and provided means for these children to inherit from their mothers, but rarely […]
Annual exams are a part of life. As we age, these appointments grow more and more important to catch potential issues before they become serious. Similarly, due to ever-changing tax laws and interpersonal relationships, it’s a good idea for clients to review their estate plan regularly. When your estate plan is written, it reflects the situation […]
While watching a movie or reading a book about wealthy individuals and their families, you may have come across terms such as “heir,” “descendant,” and “next of kin.” Though made-for-Hollywood storylines use these terms interchangeably, words describing familial relationships have distinct definitions. Using the correct terms is critical in wills, trusts, and other legal documents because […]
One common storyline in Hollywood movies is the rich father disinheriting the family outcast. The story usually traces a child’s attempts to win their family back. But can fiction imitate reality? Can you actually disinherit a child? In most circumstances, the answer is yes you can disinherit a child in most states. However, you must understand […]
