Tag Archives: inheritance

Death Tax on the Middle Class

Sen. Max Baucus (D-Montana) attempted to sneak this provision into the transportation bill currently working it’s way through the Senate. It was removed, but Baucus has made it clear that this is a high priority for him. By taking away … 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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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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Advice for Executors: Get Help

Having cleaned up many messes created by people with good intentions, I highly recommend individual executors, personal representatives, and trustees obtain and follow the advice of qualified advisers. Estate Executors: An Honor…and a Pain

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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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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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Family Feud

Family probate fight meets country music.  Enjoy this new song by the Pistol Annies (imho not catchy enough to be a hit, but the content fits this blog). I posted the link to the version that gives the lyrics. Family … Continue reading

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