23

Apr

The Shivers

One of my children’s favorite stories is The Shivers from Arnold Lobel’s Frog and Toad anthology. It begins as many good stories do—on a dark and stormy night. Frog and Toad sit down with a pot of tea and Frog proceeds to tell Toad a scary story, repeatedly asking, “Don’t you li...

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23

Apr

Understanding Estate Tax Laws and Proposed Changes

We spoke with Dave Hunt, Founder and Wealth Manager at Milestone Wealth, about current estate tax laws and changes that may be on the horizon! Watch the YouTube video below to find out more! Watch Now! ...

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23

Apr

Surviving Spouses Need To Be Aware Of Potential Changes To The Estate Tax

Clients who have lost their spouse within the past two years may want to speak to us if his or her estate is close to $6 million. Why? Because there are pending tax proposals before Congress that would reduce the current $11. 7 million exemption down to approximately $6 million on...

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23

Apr

When States Compete for Trust Business, Clients Win!

by Andy StraussCommunity property is the law in nine states (Louisiana, Arizona, California, Texas, Washington, Idaho, Nevada, New Mexico, and Wisconsin) for property acquired by spouses during the marriage. While the laws differ somewhat between community property states, it ge...

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23

Apr

Interstate Moves in Estate Planning

IS YOUR ESTATE PLANNING STILL GOOD IF YOU MOVE TO A DIFFERENT STATE? Practicing estate planning law in Western North Carolina can be very busy. There has been a continuous influx of people moving to our beautiful area from all over the country, and indeed, the world. One questio...

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23

Apr

Trust Titling (funding) and Non-Qualified Annuities

Revocable Living Trusts (referred to also just as Living Trusts) are a common foundational estate plan technique. Not only can Revocable Living Trusts replace a Will (become a “Will substitute”) in distributing property after a person dies, but these trusts also provide planning...

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23

Apr

Your Car and Your Estate Plan Need Tune-Ups

Like your car, it is always a good idea to periodically review your estate plan to make sure it is functioning optimally. After arranging your accounts and property with an attorney, it is easy to assume that you have checked estate planning off of your list forever. The reality...

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23

Apr

Did You Know the State Has Already Given You an Estate Plan?

There are many misconceptions about what would happen with your assets if you died without a will. Some married couples think their spouse would get all their assets. Some think their spouse would only get something called an “elective share”, which is an amount that changes dep...

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23

Apr

Did You Know That the State Wrote a Prenuptial Agreement for You Before You Got Married?

With a well-drafted marital agreement, more assets might be protected from being spent down on nursing home care for the surviving spouse. Also, concerns about children from a previous marriage being disinherited, or other family inheritance concerns might be addressed. Both par...

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23

Apr

May You Live In Interesting Times

2020 Year-End NewsletterBrad HenryYou might be aware that the above adage is thought to be a Chinese curse referring to times full of instability and uncertainty, and not as a type of blessing. Regardless of its origin, and regardless of whether it is a curse or a blessing, we...

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