We often post articles regarding the latest celebrity whose death created a mess because their Estate Plan failed to properly protect the celebrity’s family and loved ones. It seems that an individual with fame and money could easily avoid that result; however, that’s not always the case. The fallout caused by inadequate Estate Plans of celebrities provides great lessons for Estate Planning practitioners and their clients because the drama unfolds on a public stage. Tragically, Lisa Marie … [Read more...] about The Lessons from Lisa Marie Presley
Legal Education
Refresh and Reset: Syncing up in San Diego
The best Estate Planners stay current on the latest trends. The American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys held its semi-annual conference providing education on selected topics designed to inspire excellence in its Members, which includes the attorneys of The Mendel Law Firm, L.P. Read on to learn more about the unique experience at the Fall Summit 2022 Conference. Click to learn more. … [Read more...] about Refresh and Reset: Syncing up in San Diego
Death and Your Digital Footprint
As more and more individuals get comfortable in the digital world, estate planning has evolved to address the collection and transfer of digital assets. For example, the widespread use of a legacy contact and/or password managers allows owners of digital content to control what happens to the digital information after they die. Read on to learn more. … [Read more...] about Death and Your Digital Footprint
Planning for Special Needs Children
Planning is important when providing for any of your children. But planning is even more important for special needs children. Without proper planning, an inheritance can jeopardize a special needs child’s needs-based benefits, such as SSI or Medicaid. Read on to learn more about planning for special needs children. Planning for Special Needs Children … [Read more...] about Planning for Special Needs Children
New Tax Proposal re: Retirement Savings
There are new tax proposals working their way through the House and Senate. These proposals, if passed, would change retirement savings significantly. Read on to learn more about these proposals and whether they might impact you or your clients. New Tax Proposal re: Retirement Savings … [Read more...] about New Tax Proposal re: Retirement Savings
Staying Current on Estate Planning
It’s important for estate planning attorneys to stay up on the latest developments and techniques. The American Academy of Estate Planning Attorney held its semi-annual conference in Atlanta recently. Read on to learn more about the topics discussed at that cutting-edge conference. Staying Current on Estate Planning … [Read more...] about Staying Current on Estate Planning
You Never Know: Planning for the Unexpected
This article examines the deaths of two people who died from doing very typical things. You never know what risks might be around the corner, even in seemingly safe endeavors, so you should be prepared. The article looks at the elements of a basic plan. You Never Know: Planning for the Unexpected … [Read more...] about You Never Know: Planning for the Unexpected
Kiddie Tax is Worse Than Ever
The Kiddie Tax can apply to the unearned income of children. Read on to learn if this tax applies to you or your children. Also, learn ways to avoid the Kiddie Tax. Kiddie Tax is Worse Than Ever … [Read more...] about Kiddie Tax is Worse Than Ever
What is a GST Trust?
A Generation-Skipping or “GST” trust can be a good way to keep assets out of the taxable estate of a beneficiary and yet still allow them to be used for the beneficiary’s benefit during life. Read on to learn more about this type of trust and whether it might make sense for you. What is a GST Trust? … [Read more...] about What is a GST Trust?
Planning is Critical
It’s always important to have a plan. This is particularly true in estate planning. Did you know if you die without a Will (intestate), your state law dictates who gets your property and makes decisions for you? Read on to learn more about a heart-breaking story of someone who didn’t plan ahead. The consequences will devastate you. Planning is Critical … [Read more...] about Planning is Critical