Special Needs Children Need a Special Needs Trust

Many parents worry about providing for a child with emotional, physical or mental challenges as they grow up. If the child is receiving government benefits, careful planning can provide for the child without disrupting your own retirement planning or the flow of government paid benefits for the child after you're gone.

Choosing the Right Trustee

The success of a trust to accomplish estate planning goals depends on how well the trust is managed. That success depends on the abilities of the person (or institution) named as the trustee. You'll want to choose this trustee very carefully, as he or she must weat many hats.

Getting the Right Inheritance - Estate Planning Through a Family Limited Partnership

A Family Limited Partnership (FLP) is a powerful tool that you can use in estate planning. An FLP can protect you from outlandish lawsuits, liability claims that are false in nature and general litigation that is not your fault. You can establish an estate plan through a Family Limited Partnership and thereby get around inheritance taxes.

Top Asset Protection Strategies

Contrary to popular beliefs, asset protection does not mean hiding assets, and is not a trick to evade authority. Asset protection also does not involve deceptive agreements or fraudulent transfers. It is simply smart and safe financial planning. It uses the cunning of business and tools of financial planning to safe guard your assets from being extracted by outsiders who do not have any right to or claim on your hard earned money.

Your Will Is the Core of Estate Planning

The single most important document associated with estate planning is a will. Make your will now to assert and safeguard your own decisions about your assets.

Powers Of Attorney Vs. Successor Trustees - Does One Have More Power Than The Other

Question: I am listed as the Successor trustee, my bother is listed as the Durable Power of Attorney for property management of my father's estate. Does one have more power than the other. Does the POA have the power to sell my dad's property or do I the successor? Thanks ahead of time - really confused. N.H.

What is Your Legacy?

How will you be remembered when you are gone?

Three Advantages a Roth IRA May Offer Your Estate Plan

Many may not consider the possibilities that a Roth IRA can offer an estate plan. But, there are three advantages that a Roth IRA can offer if your estate value is under the Applicable Exclusion Amount ($1.5 million in 2005, and $2 million in years 2006 & 2007) and if one of your planning goals is to leave as much money as possible to your heirs.

Estate Planning - The Mortgage: To Pay or Not To Pay

Over views the advantages and/or disadvantages of paying off a property loan in the modern day.

New Cyprus Residents - Make Sure You Know Who Will Inherit Your Estate

In an earlier article, author Michael Yates drew attention to the need to review assets and the manner in which they are held in order to escape liability to inheritance tax in the United Kingdom. The key lies in domicile, even more so after the British Government's decision to tax the most basic of estate planning arrangements. So what is domicile?

Estate Planning - Capacity Challenges

Over views the elements of capacity used to contest the legality of a will. Looks at mental deficiency, insane delusion and mental derangement characteristics that have been used to invalidate a will.

Estate Planning - Considering a Second Marriage Late in Life

Over views estate considerations that should be accommodated as widows and widowers (with their longer life spans) increasingly meet and decide upon a second marriage. Addresses for consideration a set of unique legal questions that those getting remarried, do not often think through.

Estate Planning – Protecting Your Will's Integrity

Over views modern day techniques (evidence) one can present to the courts that uphold the decisions the testator dictates in their written last will and testament.

Is Your Special Needs Child Included in Your Estate Plan?

You have undoubtedly made provisions for how your beneficiaries or guardians will handle your finances in the event of your death or disability. You’ve appointed a guardian for your young children and you’ve outlined instructions for how to handle your child’s education, finances and other expenses. Sure, you have a plan in place to provide for your child – but have you thought about special provisions for your Special Needs Child?

Living Wills and Healthcare Power of Attorneys Help to Make Sure Your Wishes are Met

No one can foresee problems that may arise should he become incapacitated. Yet, you can avoid negative consequences of unforeseen problems by creating Living Wills and Healthcare Power of Attorneys (HCPOA).