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A Trust Protector is a position with limited powers which is established within the Trust to ensure that the Trust isn’t adversely affected by changes in law, circumstances or actions of the Trustee. When I describe the position to clients, I like to compare the Trust...
A Discretionary Lifetime Trust doesn't just benefit young beneficiaries or those who are financially inexperienced. It may protect those that are no longer fully competent or could easily be taken advantage of. Addlitionally, frivolous lawsuits and high divorce rates...
If you have created Irrevocable Trust that may last for a decade or two, selecting the right trustee is crucial to the trust’s success. Initially you may think that a family member, such as a sibling (“Uncle Bill” to your children), will be the best choice as trustee....
Owning real property (real estate) as Joint Tenants with Right of Survivorship is easy, common, and should come with a parental warning label. It’s possible, even with the best of intentions, to disinherit both minor and adult children. There are several forms of...
Payable on death accounts—“POD accounts” for short—have become a popular tool for avoiding probate in the last decade or so. A POD account is a type of bank account, authorized by state law, which allows the account owner to designate one or more beneficiaries to...
While it’s not unheard of for an original Last Will and Testament to be misplaced, the situation can have serious consequences. And, as this article illustrates, it can happen to anyone! Each county in the state of Maryland has a Register of Wills—an elected official...
You’ve finally decided to meet with an estate planning attorney and get your affairs in order. It’s time to make sure your family is protected. Now that you’ve scheduled the first appointment, what’s your next step? You can do one of two things: (1) Simply wait for...
Some states collect an Estate tax (also known as a “death tax”) which is based on the value of the deceased person’s estate and, in some states, who inherits it. As of January 1, 2015, 19 states and the District of Columbia collect an estate tax, including Oregon and...
Our office is often asked where original estate planning documents—wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and healthcare directives—should be stored for safekeeping. While we generally recommend a fireproof home safe, consider the following: A home safe For a home safe to...
It’s the time of year for beautiful weddings, fun receptions, delicious cakes, special gifts, and romantic honeymoons. While this is a joyous time for everyone, it’s also time for you and your new spouse to plan for your future—for richer or for poorer, in sickness...
