Can I Protect an Inheritance During Marriage?

An issue that frequently arises is the treatment of an inheritance received by a spouse during the marriage. The basic rule is that any property received via gift or inheritance during the marriage is exempt from equitable distribution.

What is a Special Needs Trust?

Special needs lawyers can work with clients to set up individualized special needs trusts.

Do I Need a Beneficiary for my Checking Account?

Checking accounts don't necessarily require account holders to name a beneficiary.

Can I Protect My Daughter’s Inheritance from Her Loser Husband?

My daughter is getting married soon. What can I do to protect her inheritance after my death?

How Can Beneficiary Designations Wreck My Estate Plan?

Beneficiary designations are a crucial part of estate planning, yet they are often overlooked. Once you have signed your estate planning documents, you need to make sure that your beneficiary designations are consistent with the rest of your estate plan.

How Does the IRS Know if I Make Gifts To My Grandchildren?

Federal and state tax authorities have no direct way of knowing how much is being gifted. The system relies on taxpayers self-reporting gifts.

How Do I Set Up a Living Trust?

Setting up a living trust is largely the same, regardless of where you live in the U.S.

Can 529 College Savings Plans Be Used Now in Estate Planning?

Thanks to changes in the 2017 tax law, 529 college-savings plans are being used as estate planning tools and to pay for more education-related expenses than ever before, according to InvestmentNews.

What Does a Probate Attorney Really Do?

September 3, 2019
Bill O’Leary, Esq.
Estate Planning, Probate and Estate/Trust Administration

A probate lawyer can provide a variety of services to you, if you’re struggling to deal with matters related to your loved one’s estate.

How Do I Title My Property Correctly for My Estate Plan?

August 29, 2019
Bill O’Leary, Esq.
Estate Planning, Probate and Estate/Trust Administration

If you think Estate Planning is simply the creation of a will or trust, you are missing a large portion of information, and could potentially have assets that do not flow according to the plan you have set up in your will or trust.