Category Archives: Estate Planning
Provide for family members with special needs using an SNT
If you have a child or other family member with a disabling condition that requires long-term care or prevents (or will prevent) him or her from being able to support him- or herself, consider establishing a special needs trust (SNT). Also known as a supplemental needs trust, an SNT allows you to enhance a… Read More »
Have you made your burial wishes clear?
It may be difficult to consider, but funeral arrangements are a critical component of your estate plan. Failure to clearly communicate your wishes regarding the disposition of your remains can lead to tension, disputes and even litigation among your family members during what is already a difficult time. Address these issues The methods for… Read More »
Top Estate Planning Firms in St. Petersburg
Legacy Protection Lawyers, LLP has been selected as one of the top three Estate Planning firms in St. Petersburg by Three Best Rated®. Upon being reviewed for professional attributes that included reputation, history, complaints, local reviews, nearness, satisfaction, trust, and cost to generate excellence and verified using a 50-Point Inspection by the employees at… Read More »
21st century estate planning accounts for digital assets
2019 Newsletter June 5, 2019 A win-win proposition Even though you can’t physically touch digital assets, they’re just as important to include in your estate plan as your material assets. Digital assets may include online bank and brokerage accounts, digital photo galleries, and even email and social media accounts. If you die without addressing… Read More »
Basis consistency rules may come into play if you’re administering an estate or inheriting property
When it comes to tax law changes and estate planning, the substantial increases to the gift and estate tax exemptions under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act are getting the most attention these days. But a tax law change enacted in 2015 also warrants your attention. That change generally prohibits the income tax basis… Read More »
The BDIT: A trust with a twist
The beneficiary defective inheritor’s trust (BDIT) allows you to enjoy the benefits of a traditional trust without giving up control over your property. BDITs can hold a variety of assets, but they’re particularly effective for assets that have significant appreciation potential or that may be entitled to substantial valuation discounts, such as interests in… Read More »
A SLAT offers estate planning benefits and acts as a financial backup plan
The most effective estate planning strategies often involve the use of irrevocable trusts. But what if you’re uncomfortable placing your assets beyond your control? What happens if your financial fortunes take a turn for the worse after you’ve irrevocably transferred a sizable portion of your wealth? If your marriage is strong, a spousal lifetime… Read More »
The pros and cons of a SCIN
Many estate planning techniques are intended to minimize or even eliminate gift and estate taxes when transferring assets to family members. Sometimes, the most powerful techniques also have a significant drawback: mortality risk. For example, you may have to outlive the term of a trust to realize its tax benefits. A self-canceling installment note… Read More »
Naming a minor as beneficiary of a life insurance policy or retirement plan can lead to unintended outcomes
A common estate planning mistake is to designate a minor as beneficiary — or contingent beneficiary — of a life insurance policy or retirement plan. While making your young child the beneficiary of such assets may seem like an excellent way to provide for him or her in the case of your untimely death,… Read More »
Use the proper tools to fix a broken trust
An irrevocable trust has long been a key component of many estate plans. But what if it no longer serves your purposes? Is it too late to change it? Depending on applicable state law, you may have options to fix a “broken” trust. How trusts break There are several reasons a trust can break,… Read More »