Category Archives: heirs

Estate Tax Attorney and Accountant Full Employment Act of 2012

Of course, that is not the title of any piece of legislation, pending or passed. In Obama’s budget proposal, presented the other day, tax rates are raised for the mostly hard-earned (and previously taxed) assets of dead people. In addition, … Continue reading

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Why do families fight over an inheritance?

After 28 years+ of experience settling estates and trusts, I could tell many stories about family disputes over an inheritance.  Even in families that otherwise seem perfectly functional, things can get weird very quickly after the death of a patriarch … Continue reading

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Estate Planning for Digital Assets

Oddly, Idaho and Oklahoma are the only two states that have statutory provisions for the probate of digital assets.  Increasingly, estate planners are going to need to consider ways to protect and pass along digital assets.  Here is a great … Continue reading

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“Inheritances are an equalizing force that mitigates the inequalities found in American household wealth.”  Sounds counter intuitive, but check out this article and study: Debunking the “Sin” of Inheritance

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Joint Ownership of Property Between Generations

I can’t think of any situation where its advisable to use joint ownership where there’s not a better solution, except to keep people like me employed as an expert witness in the resulting litigation. Top 5 Reasons to Beware of … Continue reading

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Why Wealth Disappears

Business owners and those who advise them should take note. Why Wealth Disappears.

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Fighting over Mom’s Stuff

Ugh…kids at their worst. When a parent dies and the children are faced with dividing up the possessions, things can get ugly. But by taking certain steps, the survivors can avoid family warfare. How to avoid fights over Mom’s stuff

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Avoiding Heir-raising Horror Stories

Encourage your clients to plan intentionally for their children.  They do their children no favors when the kids are given responsibilities for which they are unprepared. Goodbye Family Fortune

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DIY Wills

One’s written and properly executed Last Will and Testament is assumed by the law and by courts to be the written expression of the testator’s  intentions regarding his or her estate.  Even when its clear to the family and others … Continue reading

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Estate Planning and Problem Children

Here is one approach to planning for children who are struggling with and addictions, financial problems, relationship disasters, etc. Using an Inheritance to Teach Your Problem Child a Lesson

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