How much would it cost me and my husband to get guardianship of a newborn baby if the mother agrees?

You will not be able to get guardianship of a child who has a living parent. You can file a court action asking for legal and physical custody,...

If I put my assets in a trust will I avoid all estate taxes when I die and pass them along to my kids?

Under current law you and your wife each have a $5.34 million exemption from the federal estate tax. This increases to $5.43 million each next...

Everyone says get a lawyer, get a lawyer, after you win a lottery jackpot. However, no one ever says what kind of lawyer ?

Asset Protection is critical, so you will need an attorney experienced in that area of the law. Asset protection attorney can advise on the best...

Is there any language my mom's will should include if my parents are trying to keep assets separate btwn children and stepkids?

Your mother should consult with an attorney. A will, even if properly drafted, is only part of an estate plan. Jointly owned assets and those...

As an attorney licensed in both NY and NC, my advice is to have the wills and other documents reviewed by an estate planning specialist in NC....

Gift tax or not on the checks i received?

The federal gift tax annual exclusion is $14,000 per person (gift recipient) this year. This means that an unlimited number of people can give you...

What to do if elderly parent refuses to take action

I agree that you should talk an attorney about filing a Petition for Incompetency and Guardianship. It may be that the court would appoint a...

LLC or S Corp and do I need a lawyer?

An LLC and an S Corp are not mutually exclusive, as one can elect to have an LLC taxed as an S Corp. A small business/tax attorney is the best...

Does getting signatory authority in an account with $50,000 automatically makes this $50,000 my income?

No, but taking money out of the account, other than for the benefit of the other owner, will be considered a gift to you. If any such amounts...

I'm the Primary beneficiary for my wife's IRA. we live in New York City .

If there is no beneficiary named, it depends on the IRA custodial agreement. Most agreements provide that the IRA is paid to the estate of the...