Author Archives: Andre O. McDonald
The Difference Between a Prenuptial Agreement and a Will or Trust
There was a time when most people heard the term “prenuptial agreement” only when watching soap operas or Hollywood movies or reading a novel. For many of us, prenuptial agreements seemed to be reserved only for the ultra-wealthy, where the continuation of dynastic family wealth was at stake. Today, however, prenuptial agreements are much… Read More »
Annual Exclusion Gifts: Give Gifts That Your Family Will Love (but the IRS Won’t Tax)
Do not let constant political and financial speculation prevent you from making tax-free medical payment, educational and annual exclusion gifts to or for the benefit of your loved ones. How to Make Annual Exclusion Gifts Annual exclusion gifts are transfers of money or property in an amount or value that does not exceed the… Read More »
Why Estate Planning for the LGBTQIA+ Community is Critical
Whatever your orientation, estate planning is crucial to protect your loved ones. Estate planning for the LGBTQIA+ community can legally protect against discrimination even if others are reluctant to recognize your relationship and your desire to permit your partner to make decisions for your care should you become unable to. Estate planning can also… Read More »
Understanding the Different Types of Trusts: Living, Testamentary, and Constructive
In the world of estate planning, terms that refer to legal documents such as wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and healthcare directives can be confusing and even overwhelming at times. What is a will, and how does it differ from a trust? What distinguishes a springing power of attorney from an immediate power of… Read More »
Irrevocable Life Insurance Trusts and Wealth Management
It may be time to reconsider how you plan to pass generational wealth to your heirs since the federal estate tax exemption allowance appears to be in jeopardy of being lowered. Congress is proposing to lower the current estate tax exemption from $11.7 million to $3.5 million for individuals and $23.4 million to $7… Read More »
Types of Life Insurance and How They Can Be Used in Estate Planning
Many of us do not start thinking about life insurance until we get our first full-time job and the company’s human resources representative asks us if we want to enroll in the employer’s group life insurance policy. Most people think “Why not?” and sign up, naming a family member as the beneficiary of their… Read More »
To Have, but Not to Hold? Common Law Marriage and Estate Planning
Marriage as a legal institution has taken a variety of forms throughout history. As society evolves, how we identify marriage in our society also changes. In some states, a couple may be deemed married without having participated in judicial or religious ceremonies, called common law marriage. This creates some potential issues when planning for… Read More »
Estate Planning Tips for Parents of a Special Needs Child
Children with a wide variety of special needs (disabilities) can live more productive lives than ever before with today’s medicine and health care advancements. Many scientists regard the term “special needs” as a euphemism for disability. Yet, the difference between the two terms is primarily one of acceptance and preference as both terms describe the… Read More »
Simultaneous Deaths: What If My Spouse and I Die at the Same Time?
The chances of a married couple dying in a common accident or within a very short time of one another are probably quite slim. However, it does happen. And it happens frequently enough that most states have laws to address the issue and the problems that can arise from simultaneous deaths. What are these… Read More »
Selling Real Estate After The Death of a Loved One: Things You Need to Know
After the death of a loved one, such as a parent, there are a variety of tasks that must be handled to wrap up your loved one’s final affairs. Selling real estate that belonged to your deceased loved one is one of the more daunting ones. But before you call a real estate agent,… Read More »
