Creating a special needs trust is a critical step for families that are looking to protect the financial well-being of a loved one with disabilities and ensure that the person’s needs will be provided for. These trusts are designed to provide supplemental support without jeopardizing the beneficiary’s eligibility for government benefits like Medicaid or Supplemental Security Income (SSI). However, the process of establishing a special needs trust is fraught with complexities, and missteps can have significant repercussions.  By being aware of the common pitfalls that may arise and working ..read more

Charitable giving is not just an act of generosity; it is a pivotal component of strategic estate planning. While there are many different types of charitable giving strategies, donor-advised funds (DAFs) can be an especially effective vehicle for philanthropy, offering a blend of flexibility, convenience, and tax benefits. Understanding how to leverage DAFs can significantly enhance your charitable contributions and play a crucial role in your estate plan. An experienced attorney can provide guidance on the use of these tools and other strategies that can help you manage your assets, […] The ..read more

Whether you own complex assets or simply need to make sure your affairs are in order, an estate plan is crucial for your peace of mind. It is important to take steps to ensure that your assets will be distributed according to your wishes, and your estate plan can also make sure your property and finances will be managed correctly. However, creating an estate plan is not a one-time task—it requires regular updates to remain effective, especially for those with a high net worth. An experienced attorney can provide invaluable […] The post Why it Is Important to Update Your Estate Plan Regularly a ..read more

When you have worked to build up assets and increase your net worth throughout your lifetime, you will want to make sure you and your family will be protected in the future. Estate planning is a crucial process that ensures that your assets will be distributed according to your wishes after you pass away. You can also make decisions about how your assets should be used during your lifetime through legacy planning and charitable giving. However, when you own complex investments, creating a comprehensive estate plan can be particularly challenging. […] The post How to Address Complex Investments ..read more

Charitable giving is a goal of many people and families, especially those who have a high net worth. While there are many options available, establishing a private foundation can offer a unique opportunity for a person or family to create a lasting philanthropic legacy while enjoying significant financial, tax, and legal benefits. When integrated into an estate plan, a private foundation can also serve as a strategic tool for managing wealth and promoting important causes. An attorney with experience in complex estate planning matters can provide guidance on the best […] The post What Are the ..read more

Estate planning is crucial for anyone who is looking to secure their family’s financial future and ensure that their plans and desires will be honored. For non-traditional families, including LGBTQ+ couples and blended families, estate planning can present unique challenges and considerations. Understanding these nuances and taking proactive steps to address potential legal and financial concerns can help safeguard a family’s future. An experienced attorney can provide invaluable guidance in these matters to ensure that all of a family’s concerns will be addressed correctly. Estate Planning Es ..read more

In recent years, cryptocurrency has become increasingly popular. Virtual currencies such as Bitcoin or Ethereum may be bought, sold, transferred, exchanged, or received as income. They can be used to conduct secure, private transactions, and many people have been able to realize large profits through trading, mining, and other activities. However, many people may be unsure about how to handle cryptocurrency and other digital assets in their estate plans. If you own cryptocurrency, an experienced attorney can help you include provisions in your estate plan to ensure that your loved […] The post ..read more

A charitable trust is a legal arrangement in which assets are transferred to the control of a trustee, and the income generated from those assets is then distributed to one or more charitable organizations. Charitable trusts offer several tax benefits for people and families who wish to support their favorite charitable causes, and they can also provide other financial advantages. An attorney who provides estate planning services for high-net-worth families can help determine the best charitable giving strategies while addressing other related legal and financial issues. Some benefits that cha ..read more

There are multiple types of trusts and other estate planning tools that can be used to provide for the needs of family members or ensure that a person and their family will have sufficient financial resources at all times. Special needs trusts are one type of important legal tool that can provide financial support and security for family members or other loved ones with disabilities. These trusts are designed to protect a person’s eligibility for government benefits while also providing supplemental funds for their care and well-being. If you have […] The post What Are the Benefits of a Specia ..read more

When someone passes away, their assets are typically distributed through a legal process known as probate. During this process, the representative of the estate will identify and determine the value of the deceased person’s assets, pay taxes, address any outstanding debts, and distribute the person’s assets to their heirs or beneficiaries. However, not all assets go through the traditional probate process. Some assets are considered non-probate assets because they have designated beneficiaries or joint owners who automatically receive ownership rights upon the owner’s death. These non-probate ..read more