Critical Step for Caregivers: Make Sure You Do Some Estate Planning, Too
Dec 21, 2017
Estate planning, including the creation of ills, powers of attorney and trusts, is standard and needed advice for someone who’s elderly or disabled. If a family member is caring for this loved one, th...
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IRS: Account transcripts can serve as estate tax closing letter
Nov 25, 2017
A recent IRS notice confirms that an account transcript issued by the IRS qualifies as a substitute for an estate tax closing letter, as long as the transcript includes the proper transaction code. Q:...
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Retirement accounts: Tips for taxpayers turning 70 1/2
Nov 25, 2017
It’s a big year for the first set of baby boomers: They’re turning 70 1/2. And that means getting prepared for their first mandatory distributions from tax-sheltered retirement accounts. Q: What is th...
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New law allows individuals to create special needs trusts
Nov 25, 2017
Buried in a new federal law is a tiny change that will now allow individuals to set up their own special needs trusts. The sum total of the change is two words — "the individual" — intended to correct...
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In will contest, no need to oversell decedent's capacity
Nov 25, 2017
Imagine a situation where a loved one dies and there is a contest over the validity of the will. The question arises: What was the decedent’s mental state in drafting the will? A typical, knee jerk an...
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Changes proposed by Trump could open up big estate planning opportunities
Nov 25, 2017
With proposals to repeal the federal estate tax and the generation-skipping transfer (GST) tax on the table, the new administration may be opening up some rare estate planning options. Q: What is the ...
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What is undue influence, and how can it be avoided?
Nov 08, 2017
Saying that there has been "undue influence" is often used as a reason to contest a will or estate plan, Q: What does the term "undue influence" mean? A: Undue influence occurs when someone exerts pre...
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Rule requiring retirement advisers to put their client's interests ahead of their own is delayed
Nov 08, 2017
President Donald Trump has signed an executive order calling for a review of the so-called fiduciary rule, which was intended to prevent financial advisers from steering their clients to bad retiremen...
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Guardianship abuse leads to calls for reform
Nov 06, 2017
The growing problem of adult guardianship abuse is giving rise to calls for reform, as vulnerable elderly people caught up in this system sometimes end up being harmed and exploited by the very proces...
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How Medicaid’s look-back period works
Nov 06, 2017
Medicaid’s look-back period can be confusing, but it’s important because it can have a very significant effect on your ability to pay for long-term care. Q: Why is the government concerned for Medicai...
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