Estate Planning

Historically, discussions of estate planning have tended to most often involve married couples or the needs of families. Single people have often been overlooked. With so many adults who are unmarried, however, an emphasis on estate planning that includes single...

In 2012, Americans could give up to $5.2 million worth of gifts before being taxed 35 percent on additional gifts. Next year, that amount drops to $1 million and gift-givers may face a tax rate of up to 55 percent. While it is possible that Congress will extend the...

Persons who expect to leave behind a large estate may prefer to set up distribution and management of their estate following their death in the form of a trust. It is a good way to leave property and assets to heirs, but any trust needs to be carefully constructed and...

Estate planning is the process of legally designating who will receive your money and property when you die. Traditionally, women may not have been as actively involved in estate planning, but in current times every woman should meet with an experienced estate...

If you're considering taking advantage of the gift tax exemption as part of your estate planning, you should be aware that the current $5.12 million break might expire at the end of the year. In 2010, Congress and President Obama agreed upon the $5 million gift tax...

As Virginia residents know, death is a part of life that everyone must deal with at some point. After death, everyone has an estate that loved ones must manage. Having an effective estate plan can aid family and friends when the time comes. It is important to set up...

Sometimes people try to settle their financial matters themselves before passing away. Although this do-it-yourself estate planning is performed dutifully and with the best of intentions, it may actually lead to complications for the fiduciaries or beneficiaries later...

People who have diverse assets and complex estate planning ambitions have many trust options from which to choose. From basic living trusts and irrevocable trusts to trusts that serve a beneficiary's special needs or the designators' charitable ambitions, a trusts and...

According to experts, longevity and other changes that the modern world has brought to families are causing an increase in feuds among family members when it comes time to engage in estate planning. With changes in family dynamics and loved ones living longer, some...

The many advances in technology are playing an increasingly important role in asset planning. Innovations are shifting everything from how children are defined to how bank accounts are managed. As a result of these advances, it is important to consider the following...