Monthly Archives: June 2025
How to Minimize the (Voluntary) Federal Estate Tax with Portability
Most people may be surprised to learn that the federal estate tax is considered by some to be voluntary. Estate planning attorneys used to say, “You only pay if you do not plan.” The relatively recent introduction of portability provides yet another planning tool available to married couples to minimize or eliminate estate taxation…. Read More »
Surprise! You Cannot Easily Disinherit Your Spouse
Believe it or not, it is not easy to disinherit your spouse in the United States. In many states and the District of Columbia, you cannot intentionally disinherit your spouse unless your spouse agrees to receive nothing from your estate in a prenuptial, postnuptial, or other marital agreement. However, the same is not true for other… Read More »
Want to Disinherit Someone? This Is What You Need to Know
Disinheritance—the intentional exclusion of a family member, usually a child or spouse, from receiving part of your estate after your death—is more common than you might think. It is also easier than you might think to disinherit a loved one, with a couple of notable exceptions. However, it is not as simple as omitting… Read More »
Three Estate Planning Mistakes Farmers and Ranchers Make—and How to Avoid Them
Farming and ranching is more than just a livelihood; it is about preserving a legacy and a way of life. Unfortunately, many farmers and ranchers fail to create a comprehensive estate plan—or any estate plan at all. Without proper estate planning for farmers and ranchers, the family farm or ranch – passed down for… Read More »
