The star of multiple films, including the blockbuster superhero film “Black Panther,” died on August 28 of colon cancer. “Black Panther” by Marvel was nominated for 6 Academy Awards, including Best Picture. The film grossed over $1.3 billion worldwide. Chadwick Boseman became a role model for millions by playing Marvel Studio’s first Black superhero. Boseman also starred in films portraying real-life heroes, like Jackie Robinson (“42”), James Brown (“Get On Up”), and Thurgood Marshall … [Read more...] about Chadwick Boseman Demonstrates the Importance of Planning
Fair Isn’t Always Equal and Vice Versa
When deciding how to split your assets among your children at death, there are many different factors to consider. Equality is certainly one of those factors. But it’s not the only factor. Fair doesn’t always mean equal and vice versa. Here are some situations in which some parents might think an equal division isn’t necessarily the fairest result: One of the children has greater need due to no fault of their own. One of the children has won the lottery and has much, much more money … [Read more...] about Fair Isn’t Always Equal and Vice Versa
Staying Current is Especially Important in the Pandemic
In the United States alone, the pandemic has infected nearly 7 million people and has killed nearly 200,000 of them. In today’s pandemic, it’s more important than ever to make sure your estate planning documents are current. It’s especially important to ensure your documents relating to your health are up-to-date. Those documents are the Health Care Power of Attorney, the Advance Directive, and the HIPAA Power. In the Health Care Power of Attorney you appoint an “Agent” to make health … [Read more...] about Staying Current is Especially Important in the Pandemic
Planning Is Important
As Autumn arrives, it’s not too early to consider end-of-year planning. Fundamental to end-of-year planning is deciding whether to shift income or expenses from this year to the next, to the extent possible. All other things being equal, typically you’d want to defer income (and the taxation on it) until the following year. However, if your income is lower in the current year, you may want to keep extra income in the current year to be taxed in a lower tax bracket and hence a lower marginal tax … [Read more...] about Planning Is Important
Planning for Incapacity
Every year, many people in the United States are unable to manage their own affairs due to incapacity. They might be young or old. They may have had a gradual decline or a sudden onset. They might have had a stroke, heart attack, or some disabling disease such as Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, or COVID-19. If you are incapacitated without having prepared, it can be an ordeal for you and those who care for you. Your loved ones might need to go to court to have you declared incompetent and have a … [Read more...] about Planning for Incapacity
Use the Exclusion or Lose It
In 2020, each person can give away $11.58 million during life. Whatever portion they haven’t used during life, they can use it at death. However, that generous exclusion will be cut in half at the end of 2025. Beginning in 2026, the exclusion will be only $5 million adjusted for inflation from the 2011 base year. If you use the exclusion before it falls back, you won’t be penalized by a “clawback” upon your death in 2026 or later. For example, let’s say Mary has $11.58 million and gives it … [Read more...] about Use the Exclusion or Lose It
Will Your Estate Plan Still Work If You Move?
Before the pandemic, Americans were as mobile as ever. In the prior decade, millions of Americans moved each year. Here’s a link for more information on moving in America. Often, people wonder, “What happens to my estate plan if I move?” Well, it depends. If you move within the same state, your documents are valid and the planning will still be intact, as well. If you move from one state to another, your primary dispositive plan may still be valid, but some aspects might not work as well in … [Read more...] about Will Your Estate Plan Still Work If You Move?
Building Flexibility into Your Plan
When you prepare your estate plan, typically there are formalities required. In most states, a Will must be signed by the testator (the person whose property is governed by the Will) and that signature must be witnessed by two people. The rules vary a little from state to state. For example, in some states, three witnesses are required. In other states, a Will need not be witnessed by others, as long as it is entirely in the handwriting of the testator and signed by the testator at the end of … [Read more...] about Building Flexibility into Your Plan
Leaving Assets Can Be Tricky
Maybe you grew up without much. You worked hard. You earned a good education. You succeeded in life even though the streets weren’t paved with gold where you grew up. Maybe you even grew up in a very impoverished, oppressed community. Now you (and your spouse if you’re married) have accumulated enough so you’re comfortable. Maybe you’re not a billionaire, but you feel like you’ve achieved a reasonable level of material success. After your death, you’d like to provide for your loved ones so they … [Read more...] about Leaving Assets Can Be Tricky
Leaving Assets Can Be Tricky – Part 3
Maybe you grew up without much. You worked hard. You earned a good education. You succeeded in life even though the streets weren’t paved with gold where you grew up. In fact, maybe you grew up in a very impoverished, oppressed community. Now you (and your spouse if you’re married) have accumulated enough so you’re comfortable. Maybe you’re not a billionaire, but you feel like you’ve achieved a reasonable level of material success. After your death, you’d like to provide for your loved ones so … [Read more...] about Leaving Assets Can Be Tricky – Part 3
