It is our experience that there is a great deal of misconception, misunderstanding, myth and misinformation about what actually constitutes estate planning and what components are actually required to make an estate plan work. You may find this hard to believe, considering the subject matter, but we like to inject a little humor into the process too! Our clients appreciate the overall experience!
Below are several articles that we have published in the Gannett Newspapers or The Spinal Column, some of which have published nationally after being picked up by Google. We hope these will give you further insight into the estate planning process, our planning philosophy, and actually add to your understanding of what is really required in a GOOD estate plan!
Remember, it's not about just having documents; that's simply word processing. It is about the results you get from your estate plan documents! That is peace of mind!
After the doves cry, and the purple rain, there’s the IRS and their Form 706; the estate tax.
Prince Rogers Nelson (his real name) left millions of adoring fans saddened when he died suddenly at age 57. But he also left behind an estate estimated at $300 million — but that will perhaps be much more in the view of the IRS. Much more! Since he died so young his value may increase dramatically in coming years. Why? As reported by...
One of my pet peeves is when someone says, “My lawyer says I don’t need a Trust because my estate isn’t over $5.49 million” (the current allowable federal exemption from death taxes-2017), to which I respond, “Then your lawyer, while I’m sure (s)he is very competent at almost everything, is not an estate planner.”
So, who should consider a Trust? My favorite answer is “If you own stuff and have loved ones...
Many of you are probably thinking, “Oh yeah, estate planning, that interests me about as much as a root canal. And it may be as painful too!” Well, it isn’t and as an added bonus, you get to hang out with a lawyer for awhile. Now you’re really worried, right? So, if you indulge me for about 500 words, I’ll explain it to you. (By the way the Gettysburg Address was 272 words)...
My guess is that anyone who ever saw Robin Williams, a native Detroiter, loved his comedy, his spontaneity, and his ability to make us laugh. He was a master of improvisation and often reminded me of my other favorite comedian; Jonathan Winters, who was a huge influence on Robin Williams. Sadly, both also fought mental illness. Regardless, they are both...
First, at the risk of being politically incorrect by not saying Happy Holidays or some other form of safe and nonoffensive wish at this time of year, let me start by wishing everyone a very Merry Christmas and a healthy and happy New Year! My family and I happen to celebrate this Christian holiday, thus my wish to you all. But my sincere wish is that each of you will experience the joy and magic that brings us together with family and friends, regardless of....
Have you asked yourself that question yet? Well, Elaine and I have and you may be surprised by some of the changes that this new reality brings with it. The obvious and downside answer; you’re getting up there! So deal with that first! Legally, being 18 in the State of Michigan means you are an adult; at least chronologically anyway! (If you want to just turn them into the cops you can do that too, because...