Q: My loved one recently passed away and I am the nominated executor in the Will. How do I know if I have to probate the Will? A: The answer to this question depends on how the individual’s assets are titled at the time of death. Generally, assets that are titled in the individual’s name …
Question: If I have a health care proxy do I also need a living will? Answer: That’s a great question and one that we are often asked. A health care proxy is the document which designates an agent or “proxy” to make health care decisions for you in the event that you are unable to …
Many people use irrevocable trusts as part of their estate plan for tax savings, asset protection and Medicaid planning. In all these types of trusts, the Grantor (creator) of the trust is going to be limited to their access of the principal of the trust in order to ensure that their planning needs are met. …
Can I Refinance My Home If it is in an Irrevocable Trust? Read More »
Q: My mother is an assisted living facility and while going through some of her papers, I found that there is a bank account worth about $120,000 in her sole name that I am listed as a transfer on death (TOD) beneficiary. I have 2 other siblings that are not listed on this account. What …
Expectancy Interest in Transfer on Death Accounts Read More »
Q: I transferred ownership of my house to a Medicaid Qualifying Trust ten years ago. I just put it on the market for sale, where will the proceeds go after sale? Are they protected? A: Many clients choose to place their primary residence into a Medicaid Qualifying Trust. Once the trust is drafted and signed …
Question: My friend told me that when he dies, his house and brokerage accounts are going to go to his children in trusts. I thought that trusts were only for people with large amounts of money that are trying to avoid taxes. Is this true? What are the benefits of his children receiving assets in …
While the beginning of the year is typically tax season, it is important to remember that property tax exemptions can be applied for at this time. There are different programs that homeowners should be aware of in order to potentially save with respect to property taxes. Most individuals are familiar with the STAR program which …
Question: My friend has an irrevocable trust to protect assets in case she needs Medicaid to pay for her long-term care. What are the tax ramifications of this kind of trust? Answer: The typical Medicaid trust is a grantor trust for income tax purposes and is includible in your estate for estate tax purposes. The …
Question: My father died without a Will leaving only a checking account in his sole name with a balance of $35,000. My brother and I are his only heirs. I have heard that there is a proceeding in the Surrogate’s Court to handle an estate of this value. Can you tell me about it? Answer: …
The new Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement (SECURE) Act, effective January 1, 2020, is the broadest piece of retirement legislation passed in thirteen years. The law focuses on retirement planning in three areas: modifying required minimum distribution (RMD) rules for retirement plans; expanding retirement plan access and increasing lifetime income options in retirement …
