Coronavirus News Should Make You Think about Estate Planning

April 2, 2020
Bill O’Leary, Esq.
Asset Protection, Elder Law, Estate Planning, Power of Attorney, Probate and Estate/Trust Administration

Nobody likes to think about their own mortality, and that's why so many people go without basic estate planning documents. Often, an event like the coronavirus can be the kick in the pants you need to get your affairs in order.

How Does the Death of Prince’s Brother Impact the Late Rock Star’s Estate?

March 17, 2020
Bill O’Leary, Esq.
Asset Protection, Business Planning, Estate Planning, Power of Attorney, Probate and Estate/Trust Administration

The death of Prince’s brother Alfred Jackson, along with his contested will, are raising new questions in the endlessly complicated efforts to settle the legendary musician’s estate, including whether a California man with a reputation for cozying up to celebrities will end up with one-sixth of Prince’s riches.

What Exactly Is the Estate Tax?

March 3, 2020
Bill O’Leary, Esq.
Estate Planning, Probate and Estate/Trust Administration

The estate tax in the United States is a tax on your right to transfer property to other individuals upon your death, according to the IRS. In other words, when you die, the U.S. government might be entitled to a portion of your assets before the remainder can be passed to your heirs. Not all inherited assets are subject to the estate tax. In fact, the U.S. estate tax only affects the wealthiest households.

Fixing an Estate Plan Mistake

February 20, 2020
Bill O’Leary, Esq.
Asset Protection, Elder Law, Estate Planning, Power of Attorney, Probate and Estate/Trust Administration

Sometimes, despite best intentions and best efforts, an estate plan leaves unintended problems for heirs, trustees and others to solve. For example, a trust may have become outdated because of changes in tax laws, the birth or death of family members, or special circumstances like an heir’s disability.

How Does a Bull Market Affect My Estate Plan?

2019 was a wild year in the market, but in the end the Dow ended up 23 percent year over year. The S&P 500 went up 29 percent over the year, and the Nasdaq climbed 36 percent. In fact, the market is up about 60 percent since Donald Trump was elected President of the United States. Those are some pretty impressive gains.

Probate Attorney

Coronavirus News Should Make You Think about Estate Planning

How Does the Death of Prince’s Brother Impact the Late Rock Star’s Estate?

What Exactly Is the Estate Tax?

Fixing an Estate Plan Mistake

How Does a Bull Market Affect My Estate Plan?

Can I Place My IRA in a Trust?

What Should I Know About Joint Tenancy?

Will We Have to Pay Gift Taxes if We Give Property to a Child?

As a Trust Beneficiary, Am I Required to Pay Taxes?

Can I Protect an Inheritance During Marriage?