Estate Planning

Portability
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What Is the Last Surviving Spouse Rule? from Austin Estate Planning Attorney Liz Nielsen

Estate planning can be a significant part of successful financial management, especially for married couples. One key consideration is minimizing estate taxes, which can substantially affect the distribution of money and property to a married couple’s loved ones. Portability can make a significant difference when it comes to the taxation of an estate. What Are Gift […]

Trust Fund Kid
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The Real Story Behind Trust Fund Kids from Austin Estate Planning Attorney Liz Nielsen

When we hear the phrase “trust fund kid,” words like “entitled,” “privileged,” and “financially irresponsible” might come to mind. But another word we should associate with “trust fund kid” is “protected.” Below we discuss some of the misconceptions of and benefits to being a trust fund kid. What Is a Trust Fund Kid? According to a […]

DeMuth
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Estate Plan Lessons from DeMuth v. Commissioner from Austin Estate Planning Attorney Liz Nielsen

Lifetime gifts are a popular way to reduce estate and inheritance taxes. Here in 2023, only estates worth $12.92 million or more are subject to the federal estate tax. Twelve states and the District of Columbia levy an additional estate or inheritance tax. To lower their taxable estate at death, an individual may consider giving gifts to […]

Buffett
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The Life and Legacy of Jimmy Buffett from Austin Estate Planning Attorney Liz Nielsen

Jimmy Buffett died on September 1, 2023, at age 76 after a diagnosis of Merkel cell carcinoma (skin cancer) four years earlier. He was a renowned singer-songwriter, film producer, businessman, novelist, and philanthropist. Buffett released his first album, Down to Earth, in 1970. By 2023, his net worth was officially $1 billion,[1] including a $180 million stake in his […]

AI
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Can Artificial Intelligence Programs Write Basic Estate Planning Documents? from Austin Estate Planning Attorney Liz Nielsen

With the increased coverage of artificial intelligence (AI) and all of the applications it can have in our everyday lives, some people may wonder whether an AI program can create an estate plan for them. While AI may be able to generate basic estate planning documents, including wills and trusts, there is no guarantee that they […]

Expatriates
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Estate Planning for Expatriates from Austin Estate Planning Attorney Liz Nielsen

The United States hosts the highest number of immigrants in the world, but increasingly, Americans say they are looking to relocate permanently to another country. A large percentage of wealthy Americans are also interested in buying real estate overseas and living there at least part-time. While moving overseas is often a lifestyle decision, the practical implications […]

Begin
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How Far in Advance Can I Begin My Estate Planning? from Austin Estate Planning Attorney Liz Nielsen

You can create your estate plan at any time, but many people choose to begin the process sooner rather than later. Why? Because you never know when life-changing medical or financial emergencies can strike that will require someone else to manage your affairs during your lifetime. When Should You Start? When to start planning for your […]

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