Educational Alerts
Educational Alerts are written on topics that effect various aspects of estate planning and the laws that govern it. They are usually published and posted to this site at the end of each month. Occasionally newsworthy events will initiate the release of additional alerts at the time the news breaks. The purpose of an Estate Planning Update is to bring important information to the financial advisors in the community. Our hope is that this information better equips you to assist your clients.
Double Disclaimer Saves Millions in Estate and GST Tax
This month's Alert examines how effective use of disclaimers can save millions in taxes. The Alert examines a ruling request presented to the IRS involving such a situation.
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Tax Changes for 2012
This month's Alert reviews the inflation adjustments applicable to federal taxation in 2012. It examines changes in the estate, gift, and generation skipping transfer taxes, as well as income taxes.
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Unseen Perils Often Lurk in Estate Plan Changes
The Alert examines how care must be taken when an estate tax plan is modified. In the subject situation, the client wanted to change an irrevocable GRAT because of changed circumstances. The Alert examines the risks involved in the change and the prudence of advice from a qualified estate planning attorney prior to any such change.
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Two Recent Cases Illustrate the Importance of Proper Asset Protection Planning as Part of an Estate Plan
This Alert examines two recent legal cases which highlight the importance of considering asset protection concerns when arriving at an estate plan. In both cases, an estate planning attorney knowledgeable with asset protection could have achieved their clients' goals. For example, in one case the integration of a fully discretionary trust for the beneficiary into the plan could have insulated the beneficiary from asset protection concerns.
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