06

Mar

End of Year News

We are almost at the end of another year, so it's a good time for us to highlight some estate planning strategies for you, caution against some common pitfalls and give a preview of possible things to come. The Estate Tax—The Sky’s The Limit, Or AlmostMost of u...

View More

Categories: Firm Taxation


06

Mar

R-E-S-P-E-C-T My Handwritten Will

By Carter B. Webb The legendary Aretha Franklin died August 16, 2018 at her home in Detroit, Michigan. At first, it appeared that she died intestate – meaning that she died without having signed a last will and testament. However, it was recently reported that three holographic...

View More

Category: Estate Planning


06

Mar

Picking the Lock: Modification of an Irrevocable Trust

A common refrain as I explain to my clients the difference between a revocable trust and an irrevocable trust is the comment, “So, what happens once I die, and my trust becomes irrevocable? You're saying everything just locks in? What if it needs to be changed for s...

View More

Category: Trusts


06

Mar

Do Not Miss Out on All of the Medicaid Exemptions You are Entitled To

Medicaid rules can be confusing and even Department of Social Services caseworkers get their own rules wrong from time to time. Having an advocate that can work through the maze of rules can pay off for the family. In North Carolina, a Medicaid applicant can have up to a $10,000...

View More

06

Mar

Planning for Incapacity in Estate Plans

As our population ages, the prevalence of dementia and other cognitive impairments that make it difficult to conduct business affairs is on the rise. An aging, demographics, and memory study conducted by the US government found that individuals over age 71 had a 13. 9% incidence o...

View More

06

Mar

Tiffany Tyler Resigning Prior to Move

It is with regret that we at Strauss Attorneys, PLLC announce the resignation of Attorney Tiffany Tyler. Tiffany has been offered another position in Minnesota and has chosen to move there with her husband to be closer to family. Since Tiffany joined our firm she has been a va...

View More

Category: Firm


06

Mar

Business Succession and the Graceful Exit

As trusted advisors, our clients depend on us for timely and well-informed advice. It is inevitable that all business owners will eventually exit their business; it is simply a matter of when, how and under what conditions. Ultimately, the desired result for exiting a business is...

View More

06

Mar

Using Pet Trusts to Provide for Your Pets After Your Death

There’s a saying that “a dog is man’s best friend”, and with good cause. Many of us treat our pets as part of our family, often as if they were our children. For those of us with pets, we want to make sure they’re taken care of if we can no longer do it ourselves; whether due to...

View More

Categories: Estate Planning Trusts


06

Mar

Does a Revocable Living Trust Offer Protection Against Lawsuits?

The Revocable Living Trust is very popular in America. A living trust helps you avoid the cost and delay of probate. You can also avoid the dangers from jointly owning assets. But here’s the downside: a revocable living trust won’t protect you from lawsuits. Though a revocable tr...

View More

Categories: Estate Planning Trusts


06

Mar

New Rules to Help Veterans with Medical Expenses

Veterans and their spouse should be aware that there are new rules that went into effect on October 18, 2018, regarding qualification for a type of Veterans’ assistance known as Improved Pension, with Aid and Attendance Benefits. Unfortunately, these new rules have put in place p...

View More